As Ghana prepares to head to the polls today, December 7, 2024, women from across the country have come together to advocate for peace throughout the election process. Led by Dr. Charity Binka, Chairperson of the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), Ghana Chapter, the women’s group emphasized the urgent need for stakeholders to protect the wellbeing of women and children during elections.
Dr. Binka noted that women and children often bear the brunt of political violence and instability, and therefore, it is essential for political parties to prioritize peace before, during, and after the elections. The Women’s Situation Room, an advocacy group, submitted petitions to the New Patriotic Party (NPP), National Democratic Congress (NDC), and Convention People’s Party (CPP), urging them to comply with the country’s electoral laws and adhere to the code of conduct.
Representatives from the various political parties responded positively to the petition, assuring Ghanaians of their commitment to peace. The NPP’s Deputy General Secretary, Michael Nketia, stated that the party has always demonstrated its belief in peace and the rule of law, while the CPP’s General Secretary, Kwame Nkrumah Botsio, acknowledged the invaluable role of women in nation-building and expressed the party’s resolve to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all Ghanaians.
The NDC’s Deputy General Secretary, Barbara Serwaa Asamoah, also emphasized her party’s commitment to peace, stating that they would not engage in any action that could foment trouble. As the country prepares to cast its ballots, these assurances from the political parties offer a glimmer of hope for a peaceful and successful election process.
GBC/ Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
