If there is any validity to the allegation of vote rigging in the 2012 election, it should not just be the concern of the NPP alone, but should concern every Ghanaian who is interested in peace, fairness, justice, equality, rule of law and this wonderful thing called democracy. We should bear in mind that Ghana’s peace and stability is at a great risk in the absence of free and fair election. If the allegations are true, it undermines Ghana’s integrity and the electoral process. However, if they are baseless, then the NPP has brought Ghana’s integrity into disrepute.

Free and fair elections and rule of law are components of democracy. Therefore, if we are to attain and achieve a full democratic society, it is imperative to have free and fair elections, and to uphold the rule of law. Now that the NPP feels the election was not free and fair, they are doing the right thing by seeking re-dress through the courts and should not be condemned. We should rather support and encourage them in their pursuit for justice.

The process may well deepen our quest for democracy. Today it is the NPP and in future elections it could be any other party. This is not being biased about any one particular party; it’s about ensuring the survival of Ghana’s democracy, peace and unity. Therefore, we should be open minded and let things take their natural course. In the meantime the leadership of the NPP should ensure that their supporters do not take the laws into their own hands and to refrain from acts of violence while they seek re-dress through the courts system.

The ball is now in NPP’s court, and they should quickly produce their evidence in order to safe guard our quest for democracy. In the event that the NPP has enough credible evidence to proceed with their claim, and should the courts determine that the allegations have basis, then we must support the NPP in demanding justice; as keeping quite would be unfair, unjust, and morally wrong and dis-service to Ghana. If those whom we have entrusted with the responsibility to ensure free and fair elections have not lived up to their responsibilities, clearly there is a big problem, and they should be held accountable. The matter must be fully investigated and those responsible be brought to justice and face the full extent of the law. However, if it turns out to be baseless, then BIG SHAME on NPP and they must apologize to Ghanaians and take full responsibility for their actions.

Under no circumstances whatsoever should we neither accept nor tolerate corruption in any form or sharp. It is our collective responsibility and duty to challenge injustice and corruption whenever we have the opportunity. At this juncture in the history of Ghana, there is no way for us to go back to dictatorship; democracy is our only viable option. It is therefore in the best interest of every Ghanaian to ensure the process works for our mutual benefit thereby securing our peace, security, economic growth, development, progress, and political stability. For the love of homeland Ghana, elections must be free, fair and transparent; and all political parties must learn to accept defeat gracefully as we forge forward towards the quest for a fully democratic society. We have come too far to go back now.

Long live Ghana and God bless Ghana

Komla – The self-proclaim Peace Broker (USA)