Election 2020 Deaths Challenge Ghana's Peaceful Election Image

The National Peace Council has recognized that the deaths of eight individuals during Ghana’s 2020 elections have damaged the country’s image of holding peaceful elections.

Despite the overall perception of a smooth electoral process, these fatalities have cast a shadow over Ghana’s reputation.

Joana Opare, a Board Member of the National Peace Council, highlighted these issues during the ongoing Public Forum on Media, Peace, and Democratic Consolidation in Accra. She stated, “The stakeholder meeting organized by CODEO emphasized that the deaths recorded in the 2020 elections have marred Ghana’s image. Under no circumstances should elections result in loss of life.”

To address these concerns, the Peace Council is actively engaging with various stakeholders, including political parties and the media, to prevent future tragedies and maintain Ghana’s reputation for peace.

This development follows recent statements from Johnson Asiedu Nketia, the National Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). Nketia outlined specific conditions the NDC requires before agreeing to the Peace Pact proposed by the National Peace Council ahead of the December 7 elections.

He expressed doubt about the efficacy of previous Peace Pacts, referencing the 2020 elections where alleged violence by national security operatives resulted in the deaths of eight NDC members.

During an August 20 meeting with the National Peace Council at the NDC headquarters, Nketia presented several demands for the party’s participation in the Peace Pact.

These include the full implementation of recommendations from the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election investigation, prosecution of those responsible for election-related violence, and transparency in ballot paper printing and Electoral Commission procedures.

Additionally, the NDC is calling for a public commitment from the President to honor the results of the 2024 elections and insists that the Peace Pact be signed by key figures such as the Inspector General of Police, the Chief Justice, the Attorney-General, and the National Security Coordinator.