The Africa Centre for Collaborative Dispute Resolution (AfCCoDR) and the Association of Conflict, Peace and Security Experts in Africa (ACPSEA) have congratulated President-elect John Dramani Mahama on his election victory.

The two groups called on the President-elect to consider some institutional and legal reforms regarding peace, conflict resolution, and security.

This is contained in a joint press release from the two Organisations and signed by Mr Isaac Asare, Founder and President of AfCCoDR and copied to the Ghana News Agency.

According to the statement, the President-elect should consider enhancing the National Peace Council Act (Act 818) and the Council.

It stated that the National Peace Council required full implementation of its mandate with adequate resources to ensure its efficiency in maintaining peace and national harmony.

The statement also called for the full implementation of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act, 2010 (Act 798), stating that, it had been 14 years since the passage of the Act, yet critical components, particularly Parts Four and Five, remained unimplemented.

Also, a review of regulation 49 of LI 1822 regarding mediation and arbitration fees should be done to ensure equitable access to justice for vulnerable workers.

It said the fees charged for mediation and arbitration needed to be reviewed and regulated by the National Labour Commission.

“Charging higher fees for mediation and arbitration undermines the principles of accessibility and fairness,” the statement added.

According to the statement, the incoming President should consider electoral reforms to prevent future election-related violence, as well as strengthening national security to forestall electoral violence.

“We are deeply concerned about attacks on government properties and other security breaches before, during, and after the electoral period.

“We urge the incoming government to launch thorough investigations into these incidents, ensure accountability for perpetrators, and uphold the rule of law to deter future occurrences,” the statement said.

The statement noted that the President’s resounding victory offered a unique opportunity to build a stronger, more peaceful, and more secure Ghana.