As Ghana approaches its December 7 elections, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation and hope.

Elections are a cornerstone of democracy, offering citizens the opportunity to shape their nation's future.

However, they also present challenges that can threaten peace and stability within the society.

In light of this, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Global Media Foundation (GLOMEF), Raphael Godlove Ahenu, is appealing to the National Peace Council of Ghana to prioritise justice and fairness to ensure peaceful elections.

"Election should be a celebration of democracy, not a source of division, and to achieve this, we must ensure that the process is just and fair, leaving no room for doubt or conflict," he stated.

The National Peace Council, tasked with promoting peace and preventing conflict, has a significant role to play in this electoral period.

Mr Ahenu, a dedicated social justice activist, emphasised the critical need for the council to actively engage all stakeholders, including political parties, electoral bodies, and civil society organisations, to foster an environment of transparency and trust.

He expressed deep concerns about the integrity of Ghana’s electoral process.

"Every vote must count, and we must hear every voice, while the council should work closely with the Electoral Commission (EC) to ensure that the voting process is free from manipulation and results accurately reported," he insisted.

He also highlighted the importance of addressing electoral grievances promptly and fairly, stressing, "Disputes are inevitable, but how we handle them determines whether peace prevails, so the council should establish mechanisms for swift and impartial resolution of electoral disputes to prevent escalation in the December 7 general election”.

Mr Ahenu further called for a concerted effort to combat misinformation and hate speech, which he said can inflame tensions and cause mayhem.

"The media and political actors must be held accountable for their words and actions, and the National Peace Council must also lead initiatives to promote responsible communication and fact-checking," he argued.

In addition to these measures, the CEO of GLOMEF stressed the need for inclusive participation, adding that women, youth, and other marginalised groups must be encouraged and supported to participate fully in the electoral process since their involvement is crucial for a representative and harmonious society.

He noted that the National Peace Council must intensify its mediation efforts, dialogue, and education to promote a peaceful electoral environment since it is their preoccupation.

“The stabbing and subsequent killing of 28-year-old fresh graduate from Akim Oda Teacher Training College, Silas Wulochamey, at Banda Kabrono is still lingering and could spark community violence if the situation is not tackled quickly before the December 7 pools.

The National Peace Council and other peace brokers must immediately start working in the Banda Constituency since Silas' killers are still free or nothing punitive has been heard about them,” he said.

Mr Ahenu further observed that the Banda constituency's issue and others across the country are indications that the nation might be sitting on a time bomb but seems comfortable, stating, "We must act quickly to avert a possible explosion during the upcoming election".

Mr Ahenu believes his call to action is a powerful reminder of the principles that underpin true democracy as Ghana stands on the brink of another significant democratic milestone.

"Justice and fairness are not just ideals; they are necessities for peace, so let us work together to ensure that the December elections reflect the will of the people and uphold the dignity of our nation,” he asserted.

He also urged all Ghanaians to unite to pursue a just and peaceful electoral process, ensuring that the promise of democracy is fulfilled for every citizen.