With barely nine days to Ghana’s pivotal presidential and parliamentary elections, all presidential candidates have pledged their commitment to ensuring peaceful electoral outcomes.

On Thursday, 28 November, the candidates gathered at the Kempinski Hotel to sign a peace pact, emphasising their dedication to maintaining peace before, during, and after the December 7 elections.

The peace agreement bound the presidential candidates to uphold peace in the December polls, committing them to conduct their campaigns in a manner that promotes national unity and stability.

The ceremony was attended by notable dignitaries, including Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, Inspector General of Police Dr George Akuffo Dampare, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC) Jean Mensa, Chairman of the National Peace Council, Reverend Dr Ernest Adu-Gyamfi, and the National Chief Imam Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu.

The presidential candidates in attendance included Dr Mahamudu Bawumia of the NPP, John Mahama of the NDC, Daniel Augustus Lartey of the GCPP, Christian Kwabena Andrews of GUM, Kofi Akpaloo of the LPG, Nana Akosua Frimpomaa Kumankuma of the CPP, Hassan Abdulai Ayariga of the APC, Mohammed Frimpong of the NDP, and independent candidates Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, Nana Kwame Bediako, Kofi Koranteng, and George Twum-Barima-Adu.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the National Peace Council, Reverend Dr Ernest Adu-Gyamfi, stressed the collective responsibility of Ghanaians to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections.

He expressed hope that the peace pact would not merely be symbolic but that all presidential candidates would honour their commitments, particularly following the announcement of election results on December 7.

Rev Adu-Gyamfi urged political parties and presidential candidates to avoid actions or rhetoric that could incite violence among their supporters.

The Chairperson of the EC, Jean Mensa, described the signing of the peace pact as a crucial milestone in Ghana’s development.

She said signing the peace pact is highly symbolic, as it demonstrates to citizens and supporters of the presidential candidates a commitment to preserving Ghana's unity before, during, and after the December 7 general elections.

Jean Mensa stated that the act symbolises the candidates’ prioritisation of Ghana’s unity over personal interests and aspirations.

On his part, the IGP, Dr George Akuffo Dampare praised the conduct of the political parties, candidates, and their supporters since the election process began.

He reaffirmed the Police Service’s commitment to maintaining peace, security, and law and order throughout the election period and beyond.

Dr Dampare assured that the Police will not be the source of any disturbances that will corrupt the peace that Ghana cherishes and enjoys.

Former President and NDC flagbearer, John Mahama underscored the importance of safeguarding peace, stressing that Ghana must not succumb to the devastating consequences of electoral violence.

Mr Mahama said the NDC is prepared to stand for the peace of the country and called on political leaders to focus on issue-based campaigning and refrain from making baseless accusations.

Vice President and NPP flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia highlighted the significance of the 2024 peace pact in ensuring a peaceful election.

He expressed confidence that Ghana would emerge victorious and remain peaceful.

Dr Bawumia urged all stakeholders to take responsibility for fostering peace and harmony, demonstrating Ghana’s commitment to democracy.

Additionally, Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo noted that by signing the peace pact, the candidates have given a binding and irrevocable undertaking to uphold peace and stability while pursuing their electoral ambitions.

She assured political parties that the judiciary would efficiently and effectively manage all electoral disputes, discharging its constitutional duties to Ghanaians with integrity.