The Tempane District office of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) held its second phase of the Inter-Party Dialogue Committee (IPDC) meeting, aiming to outline strategies for a peaceful election scheduled for December 7, 2024. This assembly brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, including representatives from political parties, security agencies, traditional authorities, faith-based organizations, and individuals with disabilities. The primary objective was to foster dialogue, share ideas, and fortify collaborations to promote peaceful coexistence and tolerance while identifying proactive strategies to prevent violence during the electoral period. This initiative is part of the European Union-supported project “Preventing and Containing Violent Extremism (PCVE)” implemented by the NCCE across five Northern regions and three adjacent regions of Ghana.
During the meeting, Mr. James Abdulai Ayaala, the Regional Director of NCCE for Upper East, emphasized the significance of collective efforts from all stakeholders to ensure peace and stability throughout the election cycle. He described the current political landscape as having high stakes, necessitating unity in the commitment to prevent violent extremism and promote peace not only for the upcoming elections but also in the future. Ayaala urged political party representatives to advocate for peace and tolerance among their constituents, highlighting the risks posed by potential internal conflicts that could be exploited by violent extremist groups operating in neighboring countries.
Mr. Martin Mumuni, the Tempane District Director of NCCE, reiterated the responsibility of all Ghanaians to prioritize national security and peace. He called for deliberate actions to preempt any incidents that could disturb the country’s tranquility during the electoral process. Furthermore, Mumuni encouraged participants to be vigilant in their communities, urging them to report any suspicious activities to security agencies to ensure prompt intervention. His comments reflected a genuine concern for maintaining public safety and order during the elections.
The meeting also featured insights from Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Isaac Adu, the Tempane District Police Commander, who reassured attendees of the police’s preparedness to create a secure environment for voters during the election. He cautioned media practitioners against spreading misinformation and sensationalist narratives, emphasizing the importance of professionalism in reporting. According to ASP Adu, the police in Tempane District are dedicated to maintaining peace during the elections and called on all stakeholders to contribute actively toward ensuring a safe and peaceful electoral environment.
In a collective display of commitment, representatives from various political parties present at the meeting pledged to disseminate messages of peace to their supporters. They recognized the pivotal role of responsible conduct in achieving a violence-free electoral process. This commitment to uphold peace serves as a cornerstone of their shared responsibility to foster a democratic environment that citizens can confidently engage in during the upcoming elections.
The meeting’s outcomes and discussions signify a meaningful step towards safeguarding democratic gains in Ghana through proactive measures aimed at fostering peace and collaboration among diverse groups. The emphasis on awareness regarding the harmful effects of religious and ethnic intolerance, vote-buying, and the dissemination of inflammatory remarks underscores a collective effort to mitigate risks associated with the electoral period. The engagement of various stakeholders reflects a comprehensive approach towards steering the nation toward a peaceful and prosperous electoral exercise in December 2024.
