Ghana's democratic peace and unity vital - Peace Council

By Iddi Yire, GNA
Accra, Dec. 4, GNA - Ghana's democratic peace and unity is vital, hence all and sundry must do the right thing to secure this, Reverend Professor Emmanuel Asante, the Chairman of the National Peace Council (NPC), has said.

He urged Ghanaians to support and work together with the seven presidential candidates, the Electoral Commission, civil society organisations and the security forces to ensure a peaceful and credible election.

Rev. Prof Asante made the appeal in Accra during the signing of the 'Accra Declaration' by the seven presidential candidates contesting the December 7 polls.

The historic event was facilitated by the Institute of Democratic Governance, under the auspices of the NPC and the National House of Chiefs.

The signing of the 'Accra Declaration' was presided over by Chief Justice Georgina Theodora Wood and witnessed by Rev. Prof Asante and the President of the National House of Chiefs, Torgbe Afede XIV.

Rev. Prof Asante said the 'Accra Declaration' was anchored on the Kumasi Peace Pact which was a declaration against violence, impunity and injustice during the 2012 General Election.

He said the Kumasi Peace Pact served as the bedrock to the peaceful management and resolution of the changes that occurred over the results of the 2012 Presidential Election.

'It was a public manifestation of the commitment of our political leaders to the freedom and justice, peace and unity and prosperity of this beautiful nation of ours,' he said.

He urged stakeholders including the presidential candidates, the EC, civil society organisations, the diplomatic community, the security agencies, and Ghanaians in general to ensure that this election becomes the most peaceful and credible ever witnessed in Ghana.

'Ghana's democratic peace and unity is vital and let's all do the right thing to secure this,' he said.

Torgbe Afede XIV said leadership was not an end in itself but must be used to address the development needs of the people to make it relevant.

He urged all Ghanaians to safeguard the peace and stability of the nation.

Dr Ibn Chambas Mr Mohammed Ibn Chambas, the United Nations Special Representative for West Africa and the Sahel, urged all stakeholders to renew their trust in governance institutions such as the EC, the judiciary and the security forces.

He said Ghana's enviable position as a beacon of democracy, peace and stability in Africa must be maintained and improved upon.

By signing the 'Accra Declaration' candidates committed themselves towards maintaining the peace before, during and after the December polls as contained in the agreement of Re-affirmation against Electoral Violence, Impunity and Injustice.

All the presidential candidates signed the Accra Declaration with the exception of Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom of the Progressive People's Party, who was represented by his running mate, Mrs Brigit Dzogbenuku.

They are Ivor Kobina Greenstreet of the Convention People's Party, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, National Democratic Party, President John Dramani Mahama, National Democratic Congress and Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo, New Patriotic Party.

The rest are Dr Edward Nasigre Mahama of the People's National Convention and Mr Jacob Osei Yeboah, an Independent Candidate.

Among the high profile dignitaries that graced the occasion were ECOWAS Chairman President Ellen Sirleaf Johnson of Liberia, former President Rawlings, former President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa, while former President John Agyekum Kufuor was represent by his Special Aide, Mr Frank Agyekum.

Others were the United Nations Secretary-General's Special Representative for West Africa and Sahel, Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambers, Dr Josephine Ojiambo, the Deputy Secretary-General of the Commonwealth and Mrs Charlotte Osei, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission.

GNA