As Ghana prepares for the 2024 general elections, the National House of Chiefs has made a fervent appeal to all Ghanaians to uphold democratic values and prevent any actions that could undermine the electoral process.
In a statement issued on November 1, 2024, the Chiefs called on citizens to avoid electoral manipulation, violence, or media coercion, urging respect for democratic principles that will ensure a peaceful, transparent, and credible election.
The Chiefs’ message, delivered by the Registrar of the National House of Chiefs, Anthony Yeboah Tabiri, highlighted the essential role that each Ghanaian plays in protecting the integrity of the electoral process. As concerns grow regarding potential electoral violence and political vigilantism, the National House of Chiefs is urging all stakeholders to work collaboratively to maintain the country’s reputation as a stable democracy.
“Ghana proudly boasts of three decades of democratic elections and peaceful transfer of power, earning recognition as West Africa’s beacon of democracy,” Tabiri stated. He emphasized the importance of preventing actions that could threaten this hard-earned democratic stability, calling for citizens to uphold the law, especially with the December 7th presidential and parliamentary elections approaching.
The Chiefs’ statement comes at a crucial time when fears of unrest and political division have surfaced. By urging Ghanaians to respect the rule of law, the National House of Chiefs hopes to reinforce the values that have enabled Ghana to remain a leading democratic nation in the region. With over 30 years of democratic elections and peaceful transitions, Ghana stands as a model of stability and democracy in West Africa, a reputation that the Chiefs believe must be preserved.
In their appeal, the Chiefs also urged the Electoral Commission (EC) and all associated agencies to execute their responsibilities without bias. Emphasizing impartiality, they called for a commitment to fairness from the EC to uphold a free and transparent electoral process. This plea reinforces the importance of maintaining public trust in the electoral process, which serves as the foundation for legitimate governance.
The Chiefs’ message underscores the need for unity, urging political parties, candidates, and supporters to foster peace and respect for democratic norms. With Ghana’s democratic heritage at stake, the Chiefs reminded the public of their shared responsibility in ensuring that the election process remains a model of fairness and transparency for other nations in the region.
As the December 7 elections approach, the National House of Chiefs’ call for peace, impartiality, and respect for democratic values stands as a guiding principle for all Ghanaians, reminding them that the success of the election season lies in their collective commitment to uphold democracy.
