President John Dramani Mahama has assured the public that violence will not be tolerated in this year’s elections.

Mr Mahama on Monday said he would do everything possible to ensure that the environment for this year’s polls is safe. He stressed that peace and stability were very important for investment and growth of businesses.

“Often, when we are getting to elections, the political rhetoric rises. I urge you not to be afraid or frightened because it will not lead to any blow-up. Ghana has a history of peaceful and transparent processes during elections,” he assured Ghanaians during a breakfast meeting with business leaders in Accra on Monday, 14 November.

His comments come in the wake of a violent clash between members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

On Sunday, November 13, some supporters of the two parties who were embarking on simultaneous health walks engaged in a brawl in front of the Nima residence of the presidential candidate of the NPP, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. There were a few gunshots during the confrontation. Both parties have accused each other of masterminding the violence.

For instance, Nana Akomea, NPP Director of Communications, issued a statement accusing NDC executives of initiating the violence.

On the other hand, Kofi Adams, National Organiser of the NDC, blamed Mr Akufo-Addo for the cause of the clash.

However, the president expressed confidence that such misunderstandings would not escalate, indicating: “The upcoming elections will not be different from the previous one. I will play my part as president and commander-in- chief [of the Ghana Armed Forces] to ensure that we have a stable, secure environment for people to cast their ballot.”