Peace pact signing: Apologise for past criticisms of National Peace Council — Samuel Sarkodee to Mahama, NDC

In the lead-up to Ghana’s 2024 elections, former President John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have joined other political parties to sign a peace pact, committing to peaceful elections.

The agreement, facilitated by the National Peace Council, highlights the importance of maintaining peace and stability before, during, and after the elections.

However, Samuel O. Sarkodee, a former Chairman of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Columbus, Ohio Chapter, has called on the NDC leadership to apologise for their past criticisms of the Peace Council.

Speaking on Asaasepa Radio in Accra, Mr. Sarkodee emphasized that the NDC’s previous remarks undermined the Council’s credibility and peace-building efforts.

“John Mahama and the NDC owe Ghanaians an apology for their past attacks on the Peace Council. Their actions have previously sought to discredit the very institution that is now mediating this peace process,” Sarkodee said.

He referenced instances where key NDC figures, including Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, accused the Peace Council of bias and partiality, particularly during the aftermath of the 2020 general elections.

These allegations, Sarkodee argued, strained the Council’s ability to effectively mediate political disputes.

Sarkodee further highlighted the ruling NPP’s consistent commitment to peace, urging the opposition to match same.

“The NDC must go beyond signing the peace pact. Actions speak louder than words, and they must show genuine commitment to peaceful elections,” he stated.

The peace pact, a collaborative effort by the National Peace Council and various stakeholders, aims to ensure peaceful conduct during the upcoming elections.

While the signing has been welcomed, Sarkodee insists the NDC must address its history with the Council to rebuild trust.

“It’s ironic that a party which once cast doubts on the Peace Council’s neutrality now relies on it to ensure a credible election. An apology from the NDC would demonstrate true reconciliation and respect for the peace process,” Sarkodee concluded.