Former President John Mahama has emphasized the need to prevent the “militarisation of our elections,” criticizing the deployment of armed military and security operatives to polling and coalition centres as a dangerous practice that could lead to chaos.

Speaking at the 2024 Peace Campaign organized by the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council in collaboration with the Christian Council and the Office of the National Chief Imam at the State House in Accra, he stressed the importance of peace as Ghana prepares for the December polls.

Mahama stated that his party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), would propose to the National Peace Council an expansion of the Peace Pact to include all key stakeholders, making the pact more than “a ceremonial piece of paper without any meaning.

”“It is our hope that this will make the pact a more binding commitment to peace and not just a ceremonial piece of paper without any meaning,” he affirmed, adding that this would ensure every institution involved is accountable for a peaceful election process.

He also urged the Electoral Commission (EC) to maintain impartiality and called on the Judiciary to be fair and neutral in addressing any election disputes, underscoring that “justice was a necessary imperative for peace.”“There is wisdom in the saying a stitch in time saves nine. Many conflicts worldwide began when people ignored injustices until the oppressed felt forced to respond.

While I am and will remain a man of peace, I urge everyone to stay vigilant and to stand for justice,” he said.Mahama pledged his and the NDC’s commitment to peace before, during, and after the elections, saying, “We have a strong stake in maintaining the peace of Ghana and would work for a peaceful Ghana that fosters progress and happiness for every citizen.

”“I, John Dramani-Mahama, stand here today before you and before the Almighty God to reaffirm my commitment and that of the National Democratic Congress to uphold peace before, during, and after the upcoming elections on December 7, 2024,” he pledged.

In response, Samuel Tettey, Deputy Chairperson of the EC in charge of Operations, noted that the EC’s pre-election activities have been transparent and open to all stakeholders, and assured that this approach would continue to ensure a fair electoral process. Tettey also urged political leaders to exercise caution in their public statements to safeguard Ghana’s electoral peace.