Accept Defeat in the Name of Peace- Sahel Peace Initiative to Politicians
Sahel Peace Initiative, (SPI), an offshoot of the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference (GCBC) has admonished Politicians to accept defeat should they genuinely lose the 2024 elections.
The President of GCBC, Rev. Matthew Gyamfi who made the call explained that peaceful outcome of elections is dependent mainly on Politicians, CSOs and the media.
He said Politicians must accept defeat with humility, acknowledging that another opportunity will arise.
“They should articulate their message clearly, and Ghanaians will respond”, he said.
He was speaking in Accra on Tuesday at a 2-Day Catholic Bishops Conference’s SPI Forum aimed at promoting social cohesion, security and Peaceful elections.
The SPI Forum which was under the theme: “Building a More Peaceful and Cohesive Ghana:A Collective Endeavour ” was in collaboration with the Ghana Journalists Association, the Ministry of National Security and the Catholic Relief Services (CRS).
Rev. Gyamfi, stressed that an overwhelming majority of Ghanaians, approximately 98%, crave for peace hence the need for all and sundry to contribute towards the peace building process.
The President of GCBC emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability during the electoral process, calling on all stakeholders to ensure peaceful and credible elections in the upcoming December polls.
He however said when violence occurs, politicians, particularly those seeking leadership, must be held responsible, admonishing the citizens to recognize their duties and tread carefully when a defeated candidate alleges cheating or manipulation.
On his part, the Minister for Natiomal Security, Mr. Albert Kan Dapaah emphasized that violent extremism that have spread across neighbouring countries in the Sahel in recent times, continue to pose challenges to the peace and stability of Ghana.
According to him, although Ghana has not recorded a direct attack, it remains at risk due to the determination of the terrorist groups to expand their areas of operations southwards from the Sahel region to Coastal States along the Gulf of Guinea.
“ It is worrying to note that with the exception of Ghana, all Coastal States along the Gulf of Guinea have recorded a terrorist attack. More worrying is the fact that unlike the terrorists in the global north, who embark on such heinous activities to cause fear and panic, the terrorists operating in the West African region are more interested in capturing territories and taking control of the governance of States”, Mr.Dapaah revealed.
The National Security who said his ministry was determined to ensure security and peace in the country, he called on the citizenry to prioritize peace in the country.
Meanwhile, a statement by GCBC highlights that peace comes at a great cost and must be cherished.
The GCBC’s call to action emphasizes the need for:
• Politicians to prioritize peace and avoid inflammatory rhetoric
• Citizens to exercise their right to vote responsibly and avoid violence
• The Electoral Commission to ensure a transparent and fair process
• Security agencies to maintain law and order without bias.
Source:newsflashafrica.com
