Peace Pact will be meaningless without action – Mahama
Mahama Urges Action Beyond Words in 2024 Peace Pact Commitments
Accra, Ghana — Former President and National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, has called for concrete measures to uphold the Peace Pact signed ahead of the 2024 general elections. Speaking at the ceremony in Accra on November 28, 2024, Mahama emphasized that verbal commitments alone would not suffice to guarantee peaceful elections.
He highlighted concerns over mistrust and insincerity among stakeholders, warning that these issues could undermine the efforts to foster peace and stability during the polls.
Concerns Over Past Electoral Events
Mahama drew attention to past incidents such as the 2020 general elections and the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election, which, he said, cast doubt on the sincerity of previous peace commitments.
“Events and happenings in the last election and during the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election create considerable doubts about the genuineness of some of the commitments we might make today,” Mahama stated.
Call for Genuine Efforts
The former president underscored the importance of trust between political actors, security agencies, and the Electoral Commission, stressing that actions must align with words.
“All the efforts at building peace before, during, and after the 2024 elections would come to nought if undermined and if there is mistrust and insincerity. Mistrust is built through a mismatch between words and gaslighting on the path of those in authority,” he said.
Stakeholders’ Responsibility
Mahama urged stakeholders, including the government, to follow through on their pledges with tangible steps that would safeguard peace and democracy.
“There is reason to be concerned that the signing of this pact, though well-intentioned, could amount to nothing if it is not followed by concrete actions to guarantee peace by the stakeholders and government,” he added.
The Peace Pact Initiative
The Peace Pact signing brought together political parties, civil society groups, and security agencies to affirm their commitment to peaceful elections. It is part of a broader effort to solidify Ghana’s reputation as a stable and peaceful democracy amid rising political tensions.
Mahama’s remarks serve as a reminder of the collective responsibility to ensure the upcoming elections are conducted with integrity, preserving Ghana’s democratic legacy.
