The significance of a free, fair, and peaceful election process cannot be overemphasized as Ghana gets closer to the pivotal general elections of 2024.

In light of this, the National Peace Council will, as usual, push for all political parties to join a peace pact in order to guarantee a peaceful campaign trail and election. Following the previous elections, a number of people were hurt and furious. Despite a peace agreement in place prior to the election, some individuals still lost loved ones. Is it therefore wrong for the National Democratic Congress, the largest opposition party, to demand that six important prerequisites be satisfied before making a commitment?

First off, is it unreasonable to demand that the investigation's recommendations regarding the violence during the 2019 Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election be fully implemented? The day's events, in which security officers attacked civilians, severely damaged Ghana's democratic reputation. In order for there to be genuine peace and trust, individuals who caused the incident must be held accountable, and safeguards must be put in place to ensure that it doesn't happen again.
Second, is it not totally acceptable for an artificial person such as the NDC to insist on the prosecution of persons responsible for election-related violence in the 2020 general elections?

There is serious concern that needs to be addressed with the alleged killing of eight of its members by national security agents without any accountability. A legitimate election process must be built upon the foundations of justice and the avoidance of further violence.

Legitimate worries about the integrity of the electoral process are further highlighted by the NDC's demand for accountability surrounding anomalies in the printing of ballot sheets and the missing IT equipment from the Electoral Commission's (EC) warehouse. The electorate must have total faith in the EC's ability to conduct the election in an unbiased and open manner. Reassuring all stakeholders of the EC's commitment to a fair and credible election will be greatly aided by addressing these challenges.

It also seems reasonable that the NDC would demand that the President publicly promise to respect the results of the elections in 2024. A public commitment from the highest authority would help to build confidence and allay worries about potential election result manipulation or rejection. One of the fundamental components of a democracy is the peaceful handover of power.

Also, it is wise to require that important individuals sign the Peace Pact, including the National Security Coordinator, the Chief Justice, the Attorney General, and the Inspector General of Police. The participation of these powerful individuals would give the agreement more validity and credibility and demonstrate a shared commitment to maintaining the integrity of the voting process. It is crucial to remember that these requests are neither irrational nor obstructive.

They have their origins in the party's justifiable worries about the legitimacy and fairness of Ghana's electoral system, which are founded on previous encounters. The government and other state institutions may show their dedication to fairness and rebuild public confidence in the voting process by resolving these issues.

The requirements set forth by the NDC to sign the Peace Pact are reasonable and essential to guaranteeing genuinely legitimate and peaceful general elections in 2024. Rather than simply brushing these issues under the rug, the government and other interested parties ought to work cooperatively with the NDC to find solutions. Ghana's democracy must be kept intact by putting in place a strong framework that protects every citizen's right to freely select their representatives through an impartial and open election process. I want Ghana to be at peace, not in pieces, as a young teacher who recently got married.

The prospect of electoral violence is growing, and we are on the brink of a democratic debacle. If we do not confront and address the festering wounds of past election violence, we may be condemned to an eternity of murder, mayhem, and democratic collapse.