Apostle Eric Nyamekye, President of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC), has issued a heartfelt call to all political parties and stakeholders to prioritize the peace and stability of Ghana as the country heads into the 2024 general elections. Speaking at the launch of the National Peace Campaign, themed “Let Peace Prevail,” Apostle Nyamekye emphasized the importance of fostering an environment free of violence and urged all involved to make the sacrifices and compromises necessary to protect the nation’s peace.
Held on Sunday, November 3, at the forecourt of the State House, the event gathered a significant audience, including leaders from various political parties, members of the Electoral Commission, and representatives from security agencies. Apostle Nyamekye began his address by acknowledging the overall peaceful atmosphere that has accompanied Ghana’s electoral history, while also recognizing that past elections have seen occasional instances of violence, which in some cases led to tragic loss of life. He urged stakeholders to take every possible step to prevent any recurrence of such incidents, as Ghanaians look to their leaders for assurances of safety and stability.
“The call for peace to prevail on our land before, during, and after the general election should be of general concern for every Ghanaian,” Apostle Nyamekye stated. He pointed out that this appeal should resonate especially with those aspiring to lead the nation and those entrusted with overseeing its democratic processes. The message emphasized that peace is not only a shared goal but a collective responsibility that requires commitment and intentional actions from all sectors of society.
Apostle Nyamekye commended the presence of key stakeholders from the Electoral Commission, political parties, and security agencies at the event, noting their dedication to maintaining the peace that Ghanaians cherish. He underscored the importance of having leaders and representatives from these critical institutions actively involved in promoting a peaceful electoral process. “I’m pleased to see key representatives from the Electoral Commission, political parties, and security agencies here today. I am confident that they are all dedicated to safeguarding the peace we cherish as a country. It’s crucial to prioritize the peace and well-being of our citizens in every election,” he expressed.
Addressing the practical measures required to maintain peace, Apostle Nyamekye stressed that achieving lasting peace would require sacrifices, compromises, and thoughtful actions from everyone involved. He encouraged political leaders to show restraint, avoid inciting divisions, and instead focus on uniting the country through their words and actions. “Achieving peace will require sacrifices, compromises; it will demand intentional efforts and thoughtful action by all meaningful stakeholders,” he advised. This appeal is a call to political figures to lead by example, promoting values of respect, tolerance, and collaboration that are essential for a peaceful election.
The event also saw the attendance of several prominent politicians, including Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, vice-presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and former President John Dramani Mahama, flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Their presence, along with other key political figures and stakeholders, highlighted the shared commitment to peaceful elections. The collective representation of these leaders underscored the importance of putting aside political differences to ensure the well-being and security of Ghanaians during this critical time.
As the 2024 elections approach, Apostle Nyamekye’s message resonates with the shared aspirations of Ghanaians who desire a stable and harmonious future. His appeal reflects a growing consensus that peace is not only essential for the electoral process but also for the ongoing development and unity of the nation. The call to action from the GPCC President encourages political actors and stakeholders to rise above partisanship and work together to protect the fabric of Ghana’s democracy, a goal that requires everyone’s active participation and commitment.
In a country known for its history of peaceful transitions, Apostle Nyamekye’s address is a reminder of the collective duty to uphold Ghana’s reputation as a beacon of democracy and stability in the region. His words urge leaders and citizens alike to embrace the spirit of unity, sacrifice, and responsibility, ensuring that the upcoming elections serve as a testament to Ghana’s resilience and commitment to peace.
