The Eminent Persons Group (EPG) of the Christian Council of Ghana made up of leaders of both the Christian and Muslim Ecumenical bodies in Ghana was constituted with a clear mandate to contribute to national efforts to promote and facilitate peaceful elections in the country.

Key national stakeholders, including the IGP, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, Dr. Bossman Asare, Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission and Mr. Kwame Seyram Zu a representative from the NDC were present at the inauguration, underscoring the importance of collaboration in this initiative.

Over the past three months, face-to-face engagements have been held with significant figures such as the Chief Justice of Ghana, Her Ladyship Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, as well as the Elections Committee of the Judiciary. The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission and her team, and representatives from the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Efforts at getting the NDC and other political parties proved futile as all were engaged in other equally important matters.

These engagements aimed to ensure unwavering commitment and substantial progress toward
achieving peaceful and transparent elections in Ghana.

As Ghana prepares for the national presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for December 7, 2024, we, the Eminent Persons Group call upon all stakeholders to prioritize peace, tolerance, and transparency throughout the electoral process. Our mandate is to collaborate with government and stakeholders to promote peace before, during, and after these elections.

Advocacy for Peaceful Elections

Ghana has a proud tradition of peaceful democratic elections, and it is imperative that we uphold this legacy. We urge all political parties, their leadership, and supporters to act in a spirit of peace and tolerance. It is essential that candidates for both parliamentary and presidential positions exercise utmost leadership by promoting unity and refraining from rhetoric that could incite division or violence.

Role of State Security Agencies

We call upon the Ghana Police Service and all state security agencies to maintain professionalism and neutrality during the elections. The Inspector-General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has assured us of their commitment to impartiality and professionalism. We expect this commitment to be reflected in their actions on voting day and beyond. The police must ensure that every citizen can exercise their right to vote without fear or intimidation. The integrity of our electoral process relies on the commitment
of our security personnel to uphold the law fairly.

Importance of Justice in Elections

Justice is a fundamental pillar of any democratic process. Peace without justice can lead to unrest and violence. We call upon justice institutions—including the Judiciary, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), and the National Peace Council—to play their roles effectively in ensuring justice prevails before, during, and after the elections. Their active engagement is crucial in maintaining public confidence in our democratic processes.

Transparency from the Electoral Commission

The Electoral Commission must ensure transparency in all electoral processes as stated in the law. This includes the voting process, ballot counting and collation at all levels to the very final declaration. Open communication with the public will foster trust and confidence in the electoral system. We encourage the Commission to engage with civil society organizations and observers to enhance oversight and address any concerns promptly. We entreat the commission to be very diligent and avoid little mistakes that has a potential of causing mistrust.

Media Responsibility

The media plays an essential role in shaping public perception during elections. We call upon journalists and media outlets to report issues accurately without sensationalism or insinuation. Responsible reporting can help mitigate tensions and promote a peaceful electoral atmosphere.

Responsibility of the Executive Arm of Government

We appeal to the Executive Arm of Government to remain above partisan motives during this election period. Their role is crucial in promoting a peaceful environment conducive to democratic processes. By prioritizing national interests over political gain, they can help ensure that these elections reflect the will of the people.

Faith-Based Call for Peace

As faith leaders, we are called to bear witness to our commitment to peace and to speak the truth to power. We draw inspiration from scripture:

“And if you do good, you will have your reward from your Lord.” (Quran 2:272) These teachings remind us of our shared responsibility to uphold peace within our communities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we remind all Ghanaians that peaceful elections are a shared responsibility. Let us work together toward a common goal: a peaceful and democratic Ghana. As we approach this important day, may we all commit ourselves to upholding peace, tolerance, transparency, professionalism, and justice.

The Eminent Persons Group does not support any particular candidate or party; rather, we support democracy itself. We will continue to work tirelessly for peaceful, free, and just elections in Ghana.

We urge all Ghanaians to hold this country as one nation despite our differences in political affiliations and ethnic backgrounds. Let us be vigilant and report any violence or election malpractice incidents to the appropriate authorities.

Together, let us demonstrate our collective commitment to democracy and ensure that Ghana remains a beacon of peace in Africa.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)