The Programs Officer of the Ghana National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons, Carl Sowah, has urged Ghanaians to vote in the upcoming December polls without resorting to guns or violence.

Speaking on Joy News’s AM Show on Thursday, October 31, 2024, Sowah emphasised that Ghana remains the only country in Africa with a commendable record of democracy, highlighting the need to maintain this recognition by organising a peaceful election this year.

“If you look at Africa now, Ghana is at the forefront of democratic governance. Throughout the electoral period, there will be many issues, but Ghana has managed to keep the flag flying. The whole world is watching us, and this is the time to prove that we are a democratic and peace-loving people,” he stated.

He added, “It is the ballot that matters; you speak with your thumb, not with a bullet. There is no need to carry a weapon to the polling stations.”

Carl emphasised the importance of voting wisely and peacefully, stating, “We must vote—vote wisely and peacefully, devoid of gun violence.”

As part of efforts to ensure a peaceful election this year, the Commission has launched the “Silencing the Gun to Save Lives” campaign.

The aim is to discourage the use of weapons to create situations that could negatively impact lives and tarnish Ghana’s democracy.