The National Peace Council (NPC) has stressed the need for collective responsibility to maintain peace as Ghana prepares for the 2024 elections.

In a video address on Friday, December 6, 2024, the Council urged voters, political parties, electoral officials, and security agencies to work together to uphold Ghana’s reputation as a symbol of peace in Africa.

The Council also cautioned against actions that could threaten national unity and urged all stakeholders to preserve the country's democratic credentials.

The NPC's Director of Capacity Development & Outreach, Janet Sarney-Kuma, expressed concern about growing political polarisation in Ghana.

She lamented the lack of tolerance among political opponents, stating, “If I’m from party A, and another is from party B, we seem to not agree with anything the person says. And sometimes we are not very tolerant amongst ourselves.”

The Council's Deputy Director of Research, Monitoring & Evaluation, Alexander Koomson, warned against political exploitation of ethnic and communal tensions.

He explained how such exploitation could fuel conflict.

“Political actors sometimes take advantage of existing communal clashes and ethnic divisions to align with the majority tribe or group. This often results in bargaining that turns them into what we call ‘conflict entrepreneurs,’ making elections highly charged", he noted.

Assistant Programme Manager at the Upper East Regional Peace Council, Fouzia Issifu, appealed directly to young voters.

She urged them to resist political manipulation and refrain from engaging in election-related violence.

“Someone’s opinion or ideology does not make another’s wrong. Let’s respect and tolerate each other. On election day, let’s come out, vote, and return home peacefully. Don’t let any politician radicalize you or involve you in violence,” she said.

Watch the video below:

Before Ghanaians vote tomorrow, the National Peace Council addresses the nation 🇬🇭🕊️#GhanaPolls2024 #GhanaDecides2024 pic.twitter.com/YyZrwAMUJD

— National Peace Council, Ghana (@PeaceCouncilGH) December 6, 2024