Akufo-Addo, Mahama commit to peace ahead of December 7 polls

The two leading contenders in the December 7 presidential elections, Nana Akufo-Addo (incumbent) of the New Patriotic Party and John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), have signed a peace pact ahead of Monday’s elections.

They made the commitment on Friday, December 4, 2020, at the 2020 Peace Pact ceremony, held at the Movenpick Hotel, Accra.

“I have said that we believe in elections, and I am happy to give my word that we shall accept the verdict of the people of Ghana. Above all, I pledge that the peace, unity and safety of Ghana will be our primary consideration,” Nana Akufo-Addo said.

Having participated in this event on two previous occasions, he stressed that “on previous occasions, I have held to my part of the peace pact, and, on this third occasion as President of the Republic, I will do the same.”

In his remarks at the event, the President stated that he is representing a political party that is founded on the strong belief that Ghana is best governed under a constitutional arrangement that guarantees multi-parties.

“We believe in elections, we have always done and we, in the NPP, can safely claim without any fear of contradiction that every improvement that has brought more widespread credibility to our electoral process has been at our instigation,” he said.

John Dramani Mahama on his part, noted his readiness to support the promotion and maintenance of peace throughout electoral process.

However, he cited some recent cases of violence and voter oppression under the Akudo-Addo-led government as a need to worry about the fortunes of the polls.

“Our country stands at a critical juncture of history. Never have the lives of so many depended on the power of a thumb. Now more than ever, we need the institutions of our democracy to work impartially to deliver an outcome that is fair, transparent and in the National Interest… The events of Ayawaso West Wuogon are fresh in our minds. The administration’s refusal to sanction persons involved in assaulting an Honourable Member of Parliament and injuring scores of people remain one of the darkest days in our democratic history,” he said.

Adding; “It is my prayer that despite our deepest fears we shall be proved wrong and Ghana will once again be proven to be the beacon of democracy in Africa. We have done it before, and we can do it again! Let us on Monday exorcize the ghost of Ayawaso West Wuogon. I am John Dramani Mahama and I stand for peace. Let there be peace in Ghana before, during and after the elections.”