Accra: Mr Irbard Ibrahim, an International Relations and Security Analyst, has called on political parties in Ghana to conduct a ‘healthy campaign’ and place the nation’s peace and stability above the results of the upcoming December elections. Speaking at a press conference in Accra, he commended Ghana’s democratic achievements, affirming that the 2024 election should be an opportunity to build on these successes.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Ibrahim highlighted the significance of the forthcoming election as a pivotal moment in Ghana’s political history. He stressed that the conduct of political parties, traditional authorities, religious groups, civil society organisations, organised labour, and youth and women groups would determine how this chapter is written. “Let’s not make posterity look back at 2024 and say we all sat aloof to see Ghana’s beautiful political history get ruined,” he stated.
Emphasizing the necessity for free and fair elections, Mr Ibrahim urged the Electoral Commission (EC) to
continue engaging with all political parties to enhance confidence in the electoral process. He noted the existing trust issues between the EC and the major opposition party and advocated for bridging this gap to ensure confidence leading up to the December 7 elections.
Mr Ibrahim also acknowledged the consistent professionalism demonstrated by security agencies and other state institutions in ensuring peaceful elections. He stressed that their efforts in the upcoming election would need the collaboration and active participation of citizens. He encouraged the public to volunteer information that could assist security agencies in addressing potential threats and preventing situations that might compromise the December elections.
He further noted that both the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) had experienced both defeat and victory in Ghana’s past eight electoral cycles. He urged all parties to accept the election results in the spirit of democracy, stating, “One good thin
g about elections is that you always have another opportunity to present your case to the Ghanaian peopleā¦if you lose and you destroy Ghana and her institutions, there will be no country to offer you that opportunity to serve again.”
Mr Ibrahim also mentioned that the December 7, 2024, polls would be closely monitored by international observers from the Commonwealth, ECOWAS, and various diplomatic missions. He urged the nation not to provide the world an opportunity to point accusing fingers at Ghana, given its reputation as one of the most stable countries on the African continent.