Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, the African Union’s High Representative for Silencing the Guns, has called on Ghanaians to prioritize peace and unity as the nation heads to the polls this December. He urged political parties and stakeholders to resist any form of violence, emphasizing that Ghana’s reputation as a beacon of democracy in Africa is at stake.
Speaking at the signing ceremony of the 4th Presidential Election Peace Pact in Accra on Thursday, November 28, Dr. Chambas highlighted the global attention on Ghana’s electoral process.
“Ghana has once again been presented with the opportunity to demonstrate its leadership on the continent by delivering peaceful, credible elections,” he stated. “The world is watching. International observers, including ECOWAS, the African Union, and the Commonwealth, have already arrived. They are here to witness how Ghana manages its elections, and it is our duty to ensure they leave with positive reports.”
Dr. Chambas expressed confidence in Ghana’s ability to set an example for other African nations but warned against complacency. He called on institutions such as the Electoral Commission (EC), the media, the judiciary, and security agencies to act with integrity and impartiality throughout the electoral process.
“There should be no room for complacency. Any actions that suggest complicity or bias could undermine the credibility of the elections and tarnish Ghana’s image internationally,” he cautioned.
He urged Ghanaians to cherish the peace the country enjoys, stressing that violence has no place in the democratic process. According to him, Ghana must once again prove that it can hold elections free of violence, setting an example for the rest of Africa.
As the elections draw closer, the Peace Pact signing serves as a significant reminder of the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to safeguard Ghana’s democracy and uphold its reputation as a leader in Africa.
