GroupStand for Peace, Growth and Development, a pressure group, is calling for transparency in the December 2024 polls.

In a press release issued by its Executive Director, Happy Agbenyenu, the group posited that the transparency of the electoral process in the upcoming December 7, 2024, polls in Ghana will play a crucial role in preventing potential violence from disgruntled party members and their supporters.

“In light of the recent statement by the Electoral Commissioner, Madam Jean Mensa, urging political parties to accept the results of the upcoming polls in good faith, we wish to express our concerns and recommendations.”

APPEAL TO THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION

The group further cautioned the Electoral Commission to act as an independent referee during the December 7 election, with specific reference to the numerous questions raised about the impartiality of the Commission. The statement further touched on former President John Dramani Mahama’s recent concerns about the perceived biases in the EC’s appointments during his interview at the esteemed London School of Economics and Political Science, where the Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress specifically cited alleged favoritism of the EC towards the ruling party.

IMPARTIALITY AND INDEPENDENCE

The statement also touched on the lingering question of whether or not these accusations against the EC are grounded in truth. The group says while it acknowledges the innovations aimed at ensuring credible elections, “the true litmus test lies in the verdict of the Ghanaian electorate. Have they truly experienced elections characterized by transparency, fairness, and freedom?”

These concerns, among many others, the group believes, if not mitigated before the elections, could dampen the democratic gains chalked up by the country’s democratic dispensation.

The group is therefore asking the Electoral Commission about the additional measures implemented to guarantee the independence and impartiality of the EC while further urging the Electoral Commission to embark on a comprehensive educational campaign across Ghana.

“The populace must be actively engaged and informed about,” the statement concluded.