Apostle Swanzy Urges Political Decorum Ahead of Ghana’s 2024 Elections

Dormaa-ahenkro: Apostle Abraham Swanzy, the Dormaa Area Head of the Church of Pentecost, has issued a stern warning to political parties and stakeholders, urging them to avoid engaging in actions that could incite political violence and undermine national stability and peace during the election period. According to Ghana News Agency, Apostle Swanzy delivered his remarks at an Inter-party Dialogue Committee (IPDC) meeting focused on Preventing and Containing Violent Extremism (PCVE) in Dormaa-Ahenkro. He emphasized the importance of maintaining decorum, tolerance, and the accommodation of diverse political views to foster a peaceful electoral process. The Apostle recalled the turbulent times under military rule in 1979, reminding attendees of the severe human rights violations experienced during that era and stressed the importance of not repeating such atrocities. The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) organized the event, which was attended by various stakeholders including religious leaders, t raditional authorities, representatives from political parties, the Electoral Commission, and groups representing People with Disabilities. The meeting is part of a broader initiative by the NCCE to promote peace before, during, and after the 2024 General Elections. During his speech on the topic "Political Tolerance for Peaceful Elections," Apostle Swanzy advised that respecting each other's views and refraining from spreading inflammatory information are crucial steps towards achieving a tranquil electoral environment. He highlighted that political tolerance not only ensures peaceful elections but also strengthens democracy and contributes to building a more cohesive society. In addition to Apostle Swanzy's insights, Mr. Samuel Amerigo, a Programme Manager at NCCE, advocated for the adoption of mediation techniques by political parties to resolve conflicts locally without resorting to violence. Baffour Kwadwo Damoah Afari, the Sanaahene (sub-chief) of the Dormaa Traditional Area also addressed the media's role, calling on journalists to be prudent in their political reporting to avoid escalating tensions.