The Office of the National Chief Imam has cautioned politicians to eschew inciting and dangerous statements that threaten the peace and stability of the country in the lead-up to the 2024 general elections.

Speaking at the Peace Campaign forum held at the State House on Sunday, November 3, 2024, Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu, the Chief Imam’s spokesperson, expressed concerns about the rising political tensions ahead of the elections.

He warned that the atmosphere is ripe for violence and urged politicians to refrain from stoking or worsening the existing tensions that could lead to dangerous situations threatening the nation’s peace.

“We are less than one month away from our national elections this year. We hear statements and messages that indicate how the tension is rising, which justifies why religious bodies and other organizations are rallying around the very subject of peace for fear of what could happen if violence breaks out.”

Making reference to the devastating state of Liberia due to war, Sheikh Shaibu called on politicians, especially, to safeguard the peace and democracy the country enjoys, urging them to be mindful of their public statements.

“We have only one Ghana. I have traveled to observe elections in countries like Kenya, Liberia, and Nigeria, but the one that shocked me the most was Liberia, where I witnessed the extent of devastation caused by war. Anyone who has not seen war will never understand the value of peace.”

He added, “With the voice of the eminent Chief Imam, we want to call on all of us as a nation to rise above our political interests and put Ghana first. Therefore, we plead with our political actors to be careful not to make inflammatory statements that can ignite or stoke the embers of violence.”

Sheikh Shaibu concluded his statement by urging the youth not to make themselves available to be used as tools to incite violence during the elections.

“To our young people, this nation belongs to you. For those of us who are older, we are not growing any younger. This nation is your future, so be cautious about how you can be deployed or used as tools to perpetrate violence against political opponents. Remember, in violence, we destroy the achievements of the past, and it will be difficult to rebuild.”

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