2024 Elections: 'The political atmosphere remains generally peaceful' – CODEO

The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has said, per its latest report, "the political atmosphere remains generally peaceful" in Ghana as the country approaches a keenly contested 2024 general election.

CODEO said this in a press statement dated November 18, 2024, signed by its National Coordinator, Albert Kofi Arhin.

The presser was titled 'CODEO calls on election stakeholders to intensify civic and voter education, stop vote-buying, abuse of incumbency and maintain peaceful and issue-based campaigns ahead of the December 7 elections.'

"The political atmosphere remains generally peaceful across the 97 constituencies observed by CODEO Long-Term Observers (LTOs). No incidence of violence, intimidation, or harassment specifically targeting women was noted," the statement said.

CODEO summarized its findings as follows:

Observed improvement in voter education efforts by the Electoral Commission of Ghana'

Continuous domination of the political campaign scene by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC)

Differential focus on issues in the campaigns by the NPP and the NDC

A generally peaceful political climate in the observed constituencies

Instances of incumbency abuse, including the use of state resources such as public vehicles and government-owned equipment for campaign purposes, were noted.

CODEO concluded, "The findings presented in this second pre-election report indicate an overall peaceful campaign environment across the 97 observed constituencies, with political activities remaining largely issue-focused.

"CODEO is, however, concerned about the limited voter education despite some marginal improvement. CODEO continues to urge all election stakeholders, including the Electoral Commission, the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), media, and civil society organizations, to intensify civic and voter education efforts nationwide.

"CODEO also urges all political parties and their supporters to continue with peaceful and issue-based campaigning. CODEO calls on all stakeholders to intensify efforts, including public education, to maintain the generally peaceful political environment at all times during the December 7 polls.

"Finally, CODEO wants to use this opportunity to call on all stakeholders, especially the law enforcement agencies, to enforce laws that prohibit vote-buying and abuse of incumbency, which contribute to uneven playing grounds for all presidential and parliamentary candidates ahead of the election."