The NDC's Deputy Secretary for the Wenchi Constituency, Uthman Yakubu Bamba, has emphasised the need for an intensified peace campaign ahead of the 2024 polls, especially in the Banda constituency.

He noted that although the 2020 general elections could be described as non-violent, stakeholders must step up to maintain the momentum and replicate it on election day in 2024.

According to him, a free, fair and non-violent general election will largely depend on the conduct of electoral officials and the individual voters.

Uthman Yakubu Bamba spoke with JoyNews’ Nestor Kafui Adjomah at the Bono regional town of Wenchi. 

He said all stakeholders have put in a lot of effort before and during the 2020 general elections, especially in the Banda constituency following the stabbing and subsequent killing of a 28-year-old fresh graduate from Akim Oda Teacher Training College, Silas Wulochamey.

It would be recalled that on Monday, July 13, 2020, Silas Wulochamey was allegedly accosted and stabbed to death by some thugs believed to be activists of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) at Banda Kabrono whilst returning from a visit to his pastor at Wenchi.

Subsequently, the Bono Regional Police Command made some arrests and the suspects were arraigned.

However, Mr Yakubu expressed displeasure about how the case is being handled, adding ''we are sitting on a time-bomb, but we seem to be comfortable, but I promise you that the 2024 general elections will teach us a bitter lesson.''

According to him, institutions like the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons should be interested in starting their ‘‘Ballots Without Bullets’’ programme in the Banda constituency now.

''The issue surrounding the voter's registration disturbance that resulted in the death of Silas is lingering and will spark community violence if the situation is not urgently tackled head-on before 2024,'' Mr Yakubu emphasised.

The Deputy Wenchi Constituency Secretary of the NDC said, ''It is better for the National Peace Council and other peace brokers to immediately start working in the Banda Constituency since Silas' killers are still free.''