The Eminent Persons Group (EPG) of the Christian Council of Ghana, comprising both Christian and Muslim religious leaders, has issued a passionate call for free, fair, and peaceful elections in Ghana as the nation prepares for its presidential and parliamentary elections on Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The EPG’s primary mandate is to contribute to ensuring that the electoral process in Ghana remains peaceful and transparent and to foster national unity.

In a statement issued during a recent engagement, the EPG emphasized the importance of collaboration between key national stakeholders in promoting peace throughout the electoral process.

Among those present at the inauguration of the initiative were the Inspector-General of Police, Dr George Akuffo Dampare; Dr Bossman Asare, a Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission; and Mr Kwame Seyram Zu, a representative of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The EPG has also held face-to-face discussions over the past three months with senior figures, including the Chief Justice of Ghana, Her Ladyship Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, and representatives from the judiciary, the Electoral Commission, and the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

The religious leaders reiterated their commitment to promoting peace before, during, and after the elections. They called on all political parties, their supporters, and leadership to engage in peaceful, tolerant, and transparent practices during the electoral campaign. "Candidates for both parliamentary and presidential positions must exercise leadership by promoting unity and refraining from rhetoric that could incite division or violence," the statement read.

The EPG also underscored the role of state security agencies, particularly the Ghana Police Service, in maintaining professionalism and neutrality throughout the elections.

Dr Dampare has assured the public of the police's impartiality, and the EPG expects these commitments to be reflected in their actions on election day. “The integrity of our electoral process relies on the commitment of our security personnel to uphold the law fairly,” the statement stated.

Addressing the importance of justice, the EPG urged the judiciary, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), and the National Peace Council to ensure the fair and effective administration of justice regarding the elections.

The group also called for transparency from the Electoral Commission in all stages of the electoral process, from voting to ballot counting and the final declaration of results.

The media’s role was also highlighted, with the EPG appealing to journalists and media outlets to engage in responsible reporting. The group stressed that media coverage should avoid sensationalism and encourage peace during the election period.

The EPG also appealed to the executive arm of government, urging them to stay above partisan politics and focus on ensuring a peaceful election environment.

The statement further emphasized the need for all Ghanaians to unite, regardless of political affiliations or ethnic backgrounds, in upholding the democratic process and preventing any form of electoral malpractice.

Drawing from religious teachings, the EPG reminded Ghanaians of their shared responsibility to maintain peace. Quoting the Bible and the Quran, they affirmed that peace is a divine calling, urging all citizens to work towards a common goal.

In conclusion, the Eminent Persons Group reaffirmed their commitment to supporting democracy rather than any particular candidate or political party.

They urged Ghanaians to remain vigilant and report any incidents of violence or malpractice, emphasizing the shared responsibility in ensuring that Ghana remains a beacon of peace in Africa.

“We call on all Ghanaians to come together as one nation,” the statement concluded. “Let us demonstrate our collective commitment to democracy and make Ghana’s elections a shining example for the rest of Africa.”