President John Mahama has pledged to ensure there is peace before, during and after this year’s general elections.

Addressing Catholic Bishops from West Africa at the end of the 2nd Plenary Assembly of the regional Episcopal Conference, Mr. Mahama said there is the need for Ghana to remain united.

“I note that season of lent is held in the Catholic jubilee year of mercy and so it makes it extra special in our commitment to peace, repentance and forgiveness.

“I also note your exhortation for inter religious dialogue and peaceful co-existence and also for peaceful elections wherever they are being held in Africa.

“Ghana my country is one of the countries holding elections at the end of this year and as a committed Christian and a lover of peace, I wish to pledge to you our bishops that I will do my best as president of this country to maintain Ghana as an oasis of peace during and our elections,” he added.

Ghana goes to the polls on November 7 to elect a new president and parliamentarians. Incumbent president John Mahama is seeking a second term to continue a third successive term in office.

The opposition New Patriotic Party led by Nana Akufo-Addo will attempt a last gasp effort to become president after failing in 2008 and 2012.

It will be a keenly contested election.