Head of the United Nations Office for West and Sahel Africa, Leonardo Santos Simão, has urged major actors in the country’s general elections to work together to consolidate Ghana’s democratic achievements.

He said, “Democracy is always a work in progress. Let us keep the flame of democracy alive – for present and future generations.”

SRSG Simão was addressing a stakeholders’ forum to promote peaceful 2024 General Elections in Ghana on the theme: “Building Trust for Peaceful Elections,” in Ho, the fourth event after those of Tamale, Kumasi, Cape Coast.

Greater Accra Region will host the last one.

It was organized by the National Peace Council with collaboration from the UN Office for West and Sahel, the Electoral Commission and state institutions including Defence, security forces and religious leaders.

He observed that the “credibility of the elections and acceptance of results hinged on trust from major actors through individual and collective responsible behaviour,” and entreated leaders at all levels to ensure peaceful elections.

He said technology and social media came with volatilities, which propelled dis/mis/information, the erosion of political enthusiasm, socio-economic hardships and the rise in inflammatory statements and hate speech had become a normal feature.

“These are triggers of disruptions during electoral activities,” and used the occasion to make a strong point for the inclusion of women, the youth, and people with disabilities in the electioneering discourse.

SRSG Simão commended Ghana’s partners for their support to the country and reiterated the UN’s readiness to accompany Ghana’s democratic consolidation.

Mr Charles Abani, UN Resident Coordinator, remarked that all actors in the electoral enterprise should prioritise dialogue to ensure consolidation of the country’s fledgling democracy and safeguard the peace.

He implored all actors to open communication channels and address all lingering issues.

He said the December polls were unique in context, as one party wants to break the eight with a new face while the other wants to come to make an eight with an old face as well as 750,000 registered new voters.

Seth Mawutor, Chairperson of Volta Regional Peace Council, said the dialogue was a critical part of broader efforts to prevent vigilantism and electoral violence and again highlighted awareness about the Vigilantism and Related Offences ACT, 2019 (ACT 999), a crucial tool to protect communities from the threat of violence.

He called on all political parties, institutions, and citizens to use non-violent means to resolve conflicts, saying disagreements were inevitable in any democracy but the choice to address it would determine whether to build a peaceful and prosperous nation or one divided by violence and mistrust.

“We have a choice to make in the upcoming election, the choice between peace and violence. I implore you all to choose peace, for now is the time to safeguard democracy and work together to build a peaceful Ghana for generations to come.”

Two groups were empanelled to proffer solutions to enhancing the integrity, security and legitimacy of elections moderated by Professor Lydia Aziato, Vice Chancellor of the University of Health, and Allied Sciences and the other on Youth, women, and civil society organisations in promoting peaceful elections and moderated by Dr Ken Ahorsu of LECIAD, University of Ghana.

The event was chaired by Togbe Tepre Hodo IV, President of the Volta Region House of Chiefs and Paramount Chief of Anfoega Traditional Area.