Dr Samuel Ben Owusu speaking at the event
The International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA-Ghana) has called on Ghanaians to engage in a peaceful electoral process to ensure peace and unity ahead of Ghana's 2024 general elections.
At a press conference led by Dr. Samuel Ben Owusu, Country Director for the International Association of World Peace Advocates, and UN Eminent Peace Ambassador to Ghana, the organization stressed the importance of peace as the 'cornerstone of democratic governance.'
It also appealed to political parties, media houses, the Electoral Commission (EC), and all stakeholders to foster an environment free from violence, intimidation, and hate speech.
The association called on the EC to maintain honesty and consistency in election-related matters.
"We again urge the Electoral Commission to uphold honesty and consistency in dealing with election matters. We have noticed inconsistencies in the Electoral Commission's information, and this is a security threat that must be dealt with moving forward," it said.
It also urged political parties and candidates to ensure a level playing field and called for the implementation of robust security measures to prevent electoral violence.
The body further advocated for strong voter education to encourage peaceful participation and stressed effective communication channels for addressing electoral concerns.
IAWPA-Ghana also urged political leaders to focus on key national issues, engage in constructive dialogue, and demonstrate transparency and accountability.
In addition to these calls to action, IAWPA-Ghana announced several peace awareness campaigns, including efforts to ensure a violence-free election, social justice, voter rights, media freedom, and a national peace concert.
"All should engage in constructive dialogue, present clear and achievable plans, and demonstrate a commitment to transparency and accountability. Fostering unity and inclusivity among diverse parties' supporting groups is crucial for a peaceful and successful election process," the statement said.
The association appealed to religious leaders, traditional rulers, and opinion leaders to support the peace awareness initiative.
They also called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to promote national unity and provide security measures for a peaceful election.
"To help avoid election malpractice, elections with zero death toll, and elections with no casualties, we call on the President, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, to encourage national unity and patriotism.
"To ensure a smooth, violence-free election in 2024, we again ask the President, H.E., to show empathy to the youth of this country by providing all security measures to enhance peaceful elections," it said.
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