Election 2024: Mahama, Bawumia have not said or done anything to incite violence - Prof. Kwesi Aning

Security consultant Prof. Kwesi Aning has shut down concerns that the 2024 elections might be less peaceful than previous ones.

According to him, the two major presidential candidates, John Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), have not done or said anything to incite violence ahead of the elections.

This comes after recent remarks by the British High Commissioner to Ghana, Harriet Thompson, that the 2024 elections might be prone to violence.

In an interview on JoyNews on Saturday, November 30, 2024, Prof. Aning acknowledged that while political extremism exists within both parties, the leadership of Mahama and Bawumia has consistently demonstrated peaceful intentions through their actions and statements.

“Behaviour (of both candidates’) over time has created not just an impression but a well-founded notion that they are not going to hurt or harm any Ghanaian just to be in power.

“I’ve challenged all those who have said it’s going to be more violent, both Mahama and Dr. Bawumia have not acted anything in the last probably 24 months that can be construed as inciting people to violence.”

He added that “2024 will not be less peaceful. Both leaders have shown they are individuals of peace, and their signalling matters significantly in keeping their parties in check.”

He called on political leadership to denounce and prevent acts of political vigilantism, adding that Ghanaians are not interested in violence.

“Travel around this country and talk to ordinary people. You’ll notice that they are not interested in fighting or destroying their livelihoods for political gain,” he added.

ID/ ADG