Commitment to Peace Accord: Five actions Peace Council must take to restore NDC's trust and confidence

Agreeably, several significant aspects of signing a peace accord for the 2020 election in Ghana were overlooked. However, it is crucial to acknowledge the overall positive impacts of committing to peace pact principles in promoting peace, security, and stability before, during, and after an election.

The United Nations, in Chapter VIII (Articles 52-54) of its peace pact initiative, highlights the importance of fostering peace and security through agreements and peace pacts.

This approach, according to international standards and evidence, has proven to be a vital component in ensuring peace, security, and stability, particularly during an election process. Despite the fact that some of the significance of the peace pact in the 2020 election in Ghana were overlooked, the positive psychological impact of this approach cannot be underestimated. It aims to reduce the risk of election violence and tension, build trust in the electoral process, and enhance electoral integrity and credibility to promote national unity.

Given its numerous benefits, it is essential for all key institutions and stakeholders, such as the National Peace Council, Christian Council, Catholic Bishop Conference, Chiefs Imam, Chiefs, Pastors, and others, to come together to peacefully engage with the leadership of the NDC to address their fears and concerns. Their decisions will have a significant impact on the upcoming election and could lead to unforeseen negative consequences. As renowned scholar Robert Fulghum said, "Peace is not something you wish for; it is something you make."

It is unfortunate that the National Peace Council, which should be a beacon of hope for peaceful resolution, finds itself at odds with the NDC due to their perceived lack of action in seeking justice for victims of violence during the 2020 election. To rebuild trust and ensure a peaceful electoral process, I recommend that the Peace Council take the following bold and immediate actions from now until the end of October 2024.

Firstly, the Peace Council must acknowledge the concerns of the NDC and apologize for any perceived shortcomings. They should also petition President Nana Addo to recognize past violence, express condolences to the families of those who lost their lives during the 2020 election, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice. This gesture of goodwill will help create a conducive environment for rebuilding trust.

Secondly, the Peace Council should urge the Ghana Police Service to transparently and impartially update the NDC leadership on the progress of their investigation into the killings of seven Ghanaian citizens during the 2020 election. This will demonstrate a commitment to accountability and justice, which are crucial for restoring trust.

Thirdly, the Peace Council must reaffirm its commitment to impartiality by addressing any significant developments from the electoral commission, such as technical issues, hate speech, misinformation, and disinformation, that could undermine the credibility and integrity of the election results.

Furthermore, the Peace Council should engage in inclusive and open dialogue with the NDC to listen to their concerns and fears and work towards comprehensive solutions to build trust.

Lastly, the Peace Council should collaborate with security agencies and civil society organizations to develop a robust, effective roadmap to ensure safety and security in the upcoming election.