The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Ghana, Madam Jean Mensa, has noted that the decision made by the flag bearers of the various political parties as well as Independent candidates to commit to protecting Ghana's peace by signing the Peace Pact marks an important building block in Ghana's development and progress.
Leaders of political parties converged at the Kempinski Gold Coast hotel in Accra on Thursday, November 28, 2024, to join the National Peace Council in signing the peace pact as part of the process of ensuring peace before, during and after the December 7, 2024 Presidential and parliamentary elections.
Madam Jean Mensa, who is the Returning Officer for the EC could not hide her joy on seeing the major political candidates join hands in supporting the call for a peaceful election.
Addressing the audience on the night, Madam Jean Mensa said, "The very act of signing the peace pact is symbolic in that it signals to all citizens and supporters that our presidential candidates are committed to ensuring that Ghana remains intact before, during and after the election.
"It also symbolises that our Presidential candidates have put Ghana first before their own interest and aspirations, hence my assertion that this is a historic moment in Ghana's development path."
As Ghana goes to the polls, the stakes are high for all political parties. However, there has been a clarion call on all political party leaders to ensure that their followers and supporters exercise restraints. These calls have been made by various Civil Society Organisations as well as the International Communities.
As the referee for the elections, the Chairperson of the EC, stated that the commission has walked the talk of peace while being mindful of the fact that peaceful electoral outcomes will depend on the commission's actions.
"We have right from the start of our electoral activities consciously operated and carried out our activities and conducted ourselves in a manner that would ensure peace before, during and long after the elections."
