As Ghana approaches its 2024 general elections, the air is thick with anticipation, and the political landscape is as vibrant as it has ever been. The two dominant political parties, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), are locked in a fierce battle to win the nation’s top political prize: the presidency. The stakes have never been higher, and the eyes of the world are firmly fixed on the West African nation. With its legacy of democratic stability, Ghana’s election holds significant implications not only for the future of the country but also for the broader African continent and the international community.
Ghana has long been seen as a beacon of democracy in Africa, having conducted peaceful transitions of power since 1992. However, as the 2024 election draws near, the political temperature is rising, and the potential for instability is palpable. It is imperative, therefore, that both the NDC and the NPP, along with their supporters, recognize the immense responsibility they bear. As they engage in the political process, it is vital that they respect the rules of engagement, ensuring a peaceful and fair election process that honors the democratic values Ghana has worked so hard to nurture. The international community, which has consistently praised Ghana for its democratic credentials, is watching closely, and it will not tolerate any actions that threaten to destabilize the country or spill violence into the wider subregion.
The Stakes Are High
The 2024 election is not just another routine political contest. Ghana’s political future and its status as a democratic role model in Africa are at stake. The country’s relative peace and stability have positioned it as a regional leader, especially in a continent often grappling with conflict, unrest and autocratic regimes. Ghana’s peaceful elections stand as a testament to its political maturity, and as such, it is incumbent upon both the NDC and the NPP to protect this legacy.
Moreover, Ghana’s political stability is a key factor in the security of the West African subregion. The recent history of civil unrest and political instability in other African countries serves as a constant reminder of the fragility of peace and democracy. A violent or disputed election outcome in Ghana could have ripple effects throughout the region, threatening the security of neighboring countries, further straining the continent’s already fragile peace-building efforts, and potentially even jeopardizing foreign investment in the country.
It is against this backdrop that both the NDC and NPP must recognize that their contest for power is not merely a domestic affair. The credibility of Ghana’s democracy is not just at stake for Ghanaians but for the entire African continent. In this sense, the responsibility to preserve peace during and after the election is not just a moral imperative, it is a regional necessity.
The Rules of Engagement
As the election approaches, both political parties must understand that they are custodians of peace and stability. The NDC and NPP each have their own policy platforms and political ideologies, which, as is the nature of democratic processes, will naturally lead to vigorous debates and contestation. However, the key to a fair and peaceful election is the adherence to the agreed-upon rules of engagement.
First and foremost, both parties must respect the Electoral Commission (EC) as an independent body. The EC has the crucial responsibility of overseeing the election process and ensuring that it is free, fair, and transparent. Any attempt to undermine or delegitimize the EC’s authority would not only be counterproductive but could also provoke distrust in the election results. Both parties, therefore, must work with the EC to ensure that the election is conducted in a manner that meets the highest standards of fairness and transparency.
It is also essential that both parties, and their supporters, refrain from the use of inflammatory language or the incitement of violence. Political rhetoric that seeks to demonize opponents or promote hostility only serves to sow division and animosity, creating an environment ripe for violence. Rather, the focus should be on promoting constructive dialogue, fostering mutual respect, and debating policy ideas rather than engaging in personal attacks.
Furthermore, the parties must be committed to peaceful campaigning. Electioneering should be carried out in a manner that respects the rights of all citizens to freely express their opinions without fear of intimidation or violence. Political rallies and gatherings should be peaceful, and any incidents of violence or intimidation should be swiftly condemned by party leadership. Both the NDC and NPP must take proactive measures to discourage their supporters from engaging in activities that could escalate into violence. The importance of civility cannot be overstated.
The Role of Supporters
While party leaders play a critical role in shaping the direction of the campaign, the responsibility to maintain peace during the election also falls on their supporters. Political parties wield significant influence over their supporters, and it is imperative that they use this influence wisely.
Supporters of both the NDC and NPP must be cautioned against engaging in violent protests, vandalism, or other forms of political disruption. Electoral violence, whether perpetrated by individuals or groups, undermines the democratic process and can result in the loss of life, the destruction of property, and the erosion of public trust in the election process. This is a risk that Ghana cannot afford to take.
Party leaders must take the initiative to remind their supporters that elections are not a battle to the death but a contest of ideas. It is vital that both the NDC and NPP promote peaceful and non-violent forms of political expression. This includes rejecting any form of election-related violence, such as clashes between rival political factions, electoral fraud and intimidation at polling stations. Both parties must publicly commit to the idea that Ghana’s democracy is far more important than any political victory.
Moreover, the leadership of both the NDC and NPP must send a strong signal by personally condemning any actions that threaten peace. This includes disassociating their campaigns from any individuals or groups that engage in violence, making it clear that such actions are not tolerated. Furthermore, political leaders must encourage their supporters to respect the election results, regardless of the outcome, and to seek redress through peaceful means in the event of any grievances. This is a critical aspect of upholding democratic principles and ensuring that any disputes are resolved within the legal framework.
The International Community
While the responsibility for maintaining peace rests largely with the political parties and their supporters, the international community also plays a key role in ensuring that Ghana’s 2024 election is conducted without incident. The international community, including the African Union (AU), the United Nations (UN), and regional organizations such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has a vested interest in seeing Ghana succeed in its democratic transition.
As such, international observers will likely be on the ground in Ghana, monitoring the election process to ensure that it meets international standards. Their presence serves as both a safeguard for the integrity of the election and as a deterrent against potential malfeasance. It is also important to note that the international community will not be passive observers. Any acts of violence or attempts to disrupt the electoral process will attract global condemnation, and Ghana could face political and economic repercussions.
In this sense, the NDC and NPP must recognize that their actions and decisions during the election period will have consequences not just for their political futures but for the nation’s standing on the world stage. Ghana’s international reputation as a peaceful and stable democracy depends on the conduct of this election.
Ultimately, the 2024 election represents a critical moment in Ghana’s democratic journey. It is an opportunity for both the NDC and the NPP to demonstrate their commitment to peaceful democratic processes and to reaffirm the country’s place as a beacon of hope and stability in Africa.
The rules of engagement are clear: respect the Electoral Commission, refrain from violence and inflammatory rhetoric, and commit to a peaceful and fair electoral process. The leaders of both parties must set the tone for their supporters, ensuring that the election is conducted with integrity, respect and civility.
Ghana has long been a leader in the promotion of democracy in Africa. Let us ensure that, come December 7, 2024, the world witnesses another peaceful transition of power that solidifies Ghana’s place as a democratic model for the continent and the world. The responsibility lies with the NDC, the NPP, and the citizens of Ghana to uphold the values of democracy and peace. Anything less would be a betrayal of the sacrifices made by those who have fought for Ghana’s democratic ideals.
The writer is a journalist, columnist specializing in international affairs, PR expert and journalism and media studies lecturer. He holds a PhD in journalism and has pursued specialized courses in power and foreign policy in international relations, global diplomacy and other related subjects. Email: [email protected]
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