Source: www.ghanaweb.com
Presidential candidates of the two major political parties in the country, the ruling New Patriotic Party and the opposition National Democratic Congress have signed a peace pact ahead of the December 7 polls.
The two, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and former President John Dramani Mahama have both committed wholly to maintaining peace during and after the election period.
The initiative which was spearheaded by the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), will ensure that the major presidential candidates, by all means seek constitutional redress if dissatisfied with the electoral process.
Speaking at the peace signing ceremony December 4, John Dramani Mahama noted his readiness to support the promotion and maintenance of peace throughout electoral process.
However, he cited some recent cases of violence and voter oppression under the Akudo-Addo-led government as a need to worry about the fortunes of the polls.
“Our country stands at a critical juncture of history. Never have the lives of so many depended on the power of a thumb. Now more than ever, we need the institutions of our democracy to work impartially to deliver an outcome that is fair, transparent and in the National Interest… The events of Ayawaso West Wuogon are fresh in our minds. The administration’s refusal to sanction persons involved in assaulting an Honourable Member of Parliament and injuring scores of people remain one of the darkest days in our democratic history,” he said.
Adding; “It is my prayer that despite our deepest fears we shall be proved wrong and Ghana will once again be proven to be the beacon of democracy in Africa. We have done it before, and we can do it again! Let us on Monday exorcize the ghost of Ayawaso West Wuogon. I am John Dramani Mahama and I stand for peace. Let there be peace in Ghana before, during and after the elections.”
