The Ashanti Regional Peace Council has called for the urgent need to replicate the absence of violence in the by-election at Ejisu in the 2024 December 7 general elections.

The Council commended the absence of violent activities in the Ejisu constituency before, during, and after the by-election.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, May 15, the Council said “We plead that this same commitment, diligence, and sacrifice will be replicated in the impending December 7 general elections.”

It noted that the presence of the media, the Ejisu electorates, the Ghana Police Service, independent candidates, civil society organisations, the Electoral Commission, the Regional Security Council, and observers were among the stakeholders who skillfully and competently carried out their roles to avoid any disturbances in the by-election.

However, the Peace Council denounced the practice of vote-buying and inducement, which has become more prevalent in Ghana's election system since 2008. 

“The ARPC urges the public, particularly politicians and electorates, to avoid unlawful and criminal acts as per Section 6, 252 clause(2) of Criminal Code, Act 29, which prohibits giving or agreeing to give valuable consideration to public officers. 

“The law enforcement agencies should make this unethical character non-attractive in our democratic journey,” part of the statement read.

The Council also called the Police Service to make sure that those responsible for the violent altercations in Adugyama, Ashanti Region, which left three people injured, face legal consequences in order to prevent future occurrences of this kind. 

“It is from this backdrop that the Ashanti Regional Peace Council encourages all political parties to use the laid-down processes to challenge persons who do not qualify to register rather than resorting to violence at the District Registration Centers. 

“The Peace Council respectfully appeals to all the people of Ghana to continue to resort to time-tested non-violent mechanisms to peacefully address any outstanding election-related complaints.”

Additionally, the Council extended a warm wishes to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II as he celebrates his 74th birthday, 25 years on the throne and the 150th anniversary celebration of the Asante People following the Sagranti War.