As Ghana approaches the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections, the Savannah Regional Peace Council and CECOTAP, led by Fr. David Dum of CECOTAPS said at a program organized by the Savannah Regional Islamic Peace Council in Damongo under the theme, “Ensuring Peace Before, During, and After Elections: A Collaborative Responsibility.” This gathering, attended by a cross-section of religious leaders, political party representatives, community leaders, and security personnel, highlighted the vital role of collaboration among all stakeholders in fostering peace and unity during the electoral process.
In his keynote address, Fr. Dum emphasized the need for all Ghanaians to view the election season as a collective responsibility, urging each citizen to play a role in sustaining peace at every stage. Fr. Dum drew from historical examples of past elections, underscoring that peace is essential for Ghana’s stability and development. He reminded participants that although emotions can run high in an election season, Ghanaians must avoid violence, emphasizing that “we are human with emotions, engrossed in party politics, but peace must always remain paramount.”
He encouraged all present to approach the election with goodwill, recognizing the potential of collective action in preventing violence and promoting harmony.
Peace as a Foundation for Progress Reflecting on recent incidents of political tension, including violence in the Cape Coast North Constituency earlier in May, Fr. Dum noted the importance of early conflict prevention strategies. “Our duty as citizens is to respond to any early warning signs that threaten peace,” he said.
He encouraged citizens to engage in proactive conflict prevention by promoting dialogue, addressing underlying tensions, and uniting to mitigate violence.
Fr. Dum also called upon religious leaders, urging them to refrain from imposing political affiliations on their followers. “As leaders, we must respect the freedom of our people to make their choices, and ensure we are not creating divisions through our influence,” he said. He recounted past experiences when the role of clergy in guiding peace during elections made a significant impact, suggesting that organizing prayer sessions for peaceful elections could unify the nation in hope and tolerance.
Political and Civic Responsibility to Promote Non-Violence The keynote emphasized the importance of respectful language and dignified interactions among political party members and their supporters. Fr. Dum advised party leaders to discourage supporters from using inflammatory or divisive language, as it often escalates into misunderstandings that lead to violence. Instead, he encouraged parties to promote tolerance and unity, noting that “violence can take many forms – physical, verbal, or even denying people their rights, and we must be vigilant to address all forms.”
Fr. Dum further referenced a statement by Ms. Kathleen Addy, Chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), who appealed to Ghana’s youth to resist any attempts to involve them in election-related violence. He urged young people to approach the elections with a sense of maturity and responsibility, reminding them that “anyone asking you to fight doesn’t have your best interest at heart.”
Media’s Role in Fostering Peace and Neutrality The keynote also touched on the importance of impartial reporting and objectivity by media outlets, encouraging journalists to avoid sensationalism that may ignite tensions. “The media’s role is critical,” Fr. Dum said. “They must prioritize accuracy, impartiality, and fairness, which will support the nation’s peace efforts and promote understanding.” He urged journalists to remember that their reports carry great influence and should be leveraged to foster national unity rather than division.
Building Trust as a Basis for Peace According to Fr. Dum, peace can only be sustained where there is trust. He encouraged citizens to believe in the capacity of the Electoral Commission (EC) and security forces to uphold a free, fair, and credible election. “Trust that our institutions, the EC and security agencies, are equipped to protect us all, and know that party vigilantism has no place in this process,” he affirmed.
He concluded with a call for collective prayers and unity, invoking God’s blessings upon the nation. “With our collaborative efforts and the blessings of Allah/God, I believe we shall overcome all obstacles and ensure peace before, during, and after these elections,” Fr. Dum said, inviting all present to join hands in a renewed commitment to a peaceful electoral season.
The peace forum was a reminder to all Ghanaians of the critical role each individual, party, and institution plays in preserving the nation’s democratic values and unity. As election day draws closer, the Savannah Regional Peace Council’s message of collaboration and shared responsibility is expected to resonate across the country.
