As the country moves through its post-election period, it is imperative that we remain steadfast in our commitment to peace and national unity.
Recent outbreaks of violence and pockets of unrest following the 2024 elections are a stark reminder of the fragility of peace in our beloved country. Incidents of looting, vandalism and violent clashes between supporters of opposing political parties have marred what should have been a celebration of democracy.
Ghana has long been hailed as a standard-bearer of democracy in Africa, a nation where free and fair elections are the cornerstone of our political system. Our peaceful transitions of power, even after contentious elections, have set us apart from many other countries on the continent.
Yet recent events challenge that legacy. Reports of public and private property destruction as well as violent confrontations are not just an embarrassment to our political system – they threaten the nation’s very stability.
It is crucial for all Ghanaians to remember that the elections are a process, not an endpoint. Once the ballots are counted and results declared, it is the duty of every citizen to respect the will of the people.
No one group, political party or individual has the right to impose their will through violence or intimidation. As we have seen in the aftermath of these elections, an escalation of violence only serves to deepen divisions, harm innocent people and undermine the credibility of our democratic institutions.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) and National Democratic Congress (NDC) have both shown their commitment to Ghana’s democracy by denouncing the violence and calling for peace. The leadership of both parties must take this a step further by actively working together to de-escalate tensions, protect electoral officials and ensure that the rule of law is respected.
Civil society, media and the general public also play a crucial role in promoting peace. A concerted effort is needed from all corners of the nation to ensure that violence does not become an acceptable response to electoral results.
Ghana’s security forces have an important role to play as well. The Ghana Police Service must act swiftly and impartially, ensuring that those responsible for violence are held accountable while also protecting citizens from further harm.
At the same time, leadership of both parties must avoid provocative statements that could incite further unrest. Responsible leadership during this critical time will go a long way in calming the tensions that still threaten to spiral out of control.
As we look ahead, let us remember the values that have made Ghana the shining example of democracy in Africa. We must not let this moment of post-election tension define us. Instead, we must come together – Ghanaians from all walks of life – to reaffirm our commitment to peace, stability and the shared future we all desire. Elections come and go, but the unity of our people is the true foundation of our democracy.
Let peace prevail, for Ghana’s future depends on it.
