Ghana is our motherland and a much-beloved country in the whole of Africa – let’s protect it! The Ghana Scholarly Society (GSS) urges all Ghanaians to approach the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections on Saturday, December 7th, 2024, with a commitment to peace, unity, and democratic values. As we prepare for our ninth national election under the Fourth Republic, this is a time to reflect on our democratic progress and the challenges we must collectively address as a people of one nation – Ghana. There is only one nation Ghana, and it belongs to us all. Whilst Ghana’s standing as a beacon of peace and democracy in Africa is known, this legacy must be protected, given the volatile political environments in neighbouring countries, where electoral disputes have led to devastating consequences.
Ghana’s Peaceful Democratic Progress
Ghana’s history of peaceful elections, especially the peaceful transfers of power in 2000, 2008, and 2016, has positioned it as a model of stability in West Africa. However, the rising trend of electoral violence seen in recent years threatens to undermine this legacy. In the 2020 elections, over 61 critical and/or deadly incidents of violence, including 19 shootings, were reported, with several fatalities (CDD-Ghana, 2021). Each election cycle has seen an increase in violent incidents before, during, and after voting. This growing tension mirrors patterns in conflict zones across West Africa, such as Côte d’Ivoire’s 2010 elections, which erupted into violence that claimed over 3,000 lives. Similarly, Liberia’s civil conflict, partly triggered by electoral disputes, led to decades of instability, displacement, and economic ruin.
To prevent Ghana from following the path of electoral violence that has destabilised other nations, we must ensure a peaceful election in 2024. It is not just a moral duty for all stakeholders but a necessity for maintaining the socio-economic progress we have achieved.
Lessons from Supreme Court Petitions and Way Forward
The Supreme Court’s interventions following the disputed 2012 and 2020 presidential elections highlight the importance of a robust legal framework in preventing violence and fostering peace. The peaceful resolutions achieved through judicial processes underscored the need for patience and respect for the rule of law. These rulings have provided clear pathways for resolving electoral disputes through non-violent means, proving that Ghana’s legal system is capable of handling electoral challenges.
The GSS strongly encourages political parties to revisit the rulings from these election petitions. They must draw lessons from the process and understand that the judiciary offers a legitimate route for addressing grievances. Whilst the court’s decisions helped to prevent election disputes from escalating into violence during the last two petitions, we call on the Electoral Commission (EC) to ensure that all recommendations made by the Supreme Court are implemented in full. This will increase transparency, strengthen public trust in the process, and reduce the likelihood of further disputes.
Civic Education: The Foundation of a Peaceful Election
To guarantee peaceful elections, civic education must be prioritised. The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), media organisations, and civil society must work together to educate citizens about their civic rights, the voting process, and the importance of peace. Misinformation remains a significant threat to electoral peace, with nearly 60% of Ghanaians reporting that misinformation negatively impacts elections (Afrobarometer, 2019). Public campaigns should focus on providing accurate information, emphasising policy-based voting, and discouraging the spread of hate speech, both online and offline.
Educating voters about their role in upholding democracy is essential for avoiding violence. Voters must be reminded that peaceful participation, rather than divisive partisanship, will help to shape a better future for Ghana.
Political Leaders and Security Forces: Guardians of Democratic Peace
Political leaders have a responsibility to ensure that their rhetoric is constructive and non-inflammatory. In many countries, political leaders’ words have incited violence, as seen in Kenya’s 2007 post-election violence, where political rhetoric fuelled ethnic conflict. The GSS calls on all political leaders to publicly commit to accepting the results of the election or, if necessary, contesting them through the legal avenues provided. Leaders should set an example by discouraging violence, respecting the rule of law, and prioritising national unity over partisan gain.
Similarly, security forces must play a crucial role in maintaining peace. A visible yet non-intimidating security presence at polling stations is vital for ensuring that voters feel safe and can exercise their rights without fear of intimidation. Para-military forces should be deployed strategically in areas prone to violence, ensuring that peace is maintained while respecting citizens’ rights. Swift action must be taken to prevent and respond to any outbreaks of violence.
Conclusion: A Call for Collective Action
As Ghanaians, we have a collective responsibility to ensure that the December 2024 elections are peaceful, free, and fair. The lessons from past elections and the experiences of neighbouring countries serve as a warning of the devastating consequences of electoral violence. The Ghana Scholarly Society urges every Ghanaian to commit to peace and democracy. Let us reject violence, embrace justice, and work together to secure the future of our nation.
The success of this election will not only shape the immediate future but also define our legacy as a democratic leader in Africa. By coming together, we can ensure that Ama Ghana continues to be a beacon of peace, stability, and prosperity.
The GSS stands ready to contribute its expertise and resources to this cause. We are eager to engage with all stakeholders, nationally and internationally, to develop and implement strategies that will safeguard Ghana’s water bodies for future generations.
About the Ghana Scholarly Society
The Ghana Scholarly Society (GSS) was established to unite Ghanaian academics, researchers, and professionals worldwide, pooling their collective expertise to advance knowledge and drive national development through informed policymaking. The GSS is committed to promoting research-driven solutions to the challenges facing Ghana and the African continent, with a particular focus on sustainable development. We actively engage with governmental and non-governmental organisations, both locally and internationally, to influence policies that align with global best practices and the specific needs of Ghana.
Signed:
Dr Kweku Adams, Associate Professor–International Business & Management, Bradford University, UK
President, Ghana Scholarly Society Worldwide
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