Presidential candidates in Ghana’s December 7 elections have pledged their commitment to peace by signing a peace pact at a ceremony convened by the National Peace Council at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra on Thursday, November 28.

The event, aimed at ensuring a peaceful electoral process, brought together representatives of all political parties and their flagbearers.

John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), reaffirmed his party’s dedication to fostering peace and stability in Ghana. In his address, he said.

"We in the NDC remain internally committed to building a peaceful and prosperous country where the aspirations of all our people can be met. Our active participation in this event underscores its significance and reflects our overall effort to guarantee peace and preserve our nation in the aftermath of the upcoming elections."

Mahama stressed the importance of peace as the solid foundation of Ghana’s democracy and urged all stakeholders to prioritize unity, avoid baseless allegations, and focus on issue-based campaigns.

"Peace is the foundation upon which our democracy is built, and it is essential that we preserve it during this critical period. We are all aware of the devastating consequences of electoral violence in other countries, and we cannot afford to tread that path," he noted.

Reflecting on the loss of lives during the 2020 election, Mahama criticized the government for its inaction, saying it had cast doubt on its commitment to upholding peace.

"The inaction of the government in the face of the murder of eight citizens during the last elections casts a shadow over its commitment to maintaining peace. We must ensure that such tragic incidents do not happen again. Every Ghanaian life matters and justice must prevail to reassure the public of our dedication to peace and accountability."

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He also commended Ghana’s security agencies for their role in maintaining law and order and urged them to remain professional and impartial. Mahama called on the media to promote balanced and accurate reporting while avoiding misleading the electorate.

Turning to the Electoral Commission, Mahama acknowledged their cooperation thus far and expressed hope that electoral officers would conduct themselves with neutrality to prevent disputes.

In his concluding remarks, the presidential candidate appealed to all saying, "Let us all pledge to promote peace during these elections. Let us work together to create an environment conducive to free, fair, and peaceful elections. We owe it to ourselves, our children, and future generations to preserve the peace and stability Ghana has enjoyed for so long."