The Special Representative of the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General and Head of the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel, Leonardo Santos Simao, stated that this year’s general election will be a significant test of Ghana’s 30-year democratic journey.
He emphasized that the elections are taking place amid regional security challenges, rapid misinformation and disinformation on social media, and declining political enthusiasm among the youth.
He noted that socio-economic difficulties and increasing inflammatory statements and hate speech from some individuals also pose challenges to the electoral process.
Mr. Simao made these comments during a stakeholder forum aimed at promoting a peaceful 2024 general election in Ghana, organized by the National Peace Council (NPC) with UN support in Ho on October 31, 2024.
About 80 participants, including traditional leaders, political party representatives, security agencies, civil society organizations, state institutions, trade unions, and members of the judiciary attended the forum, themed ‘Building trust for peaceful elections.’
The forum provided a platform for dialogue on key issues related to conducting peaceful elections and was the fourth in a series following events in Tamale, Kumasi, and Cape Coast.
Mr. Simao highlighted the strong collaboration between the NPC and the UN in promoting peaceful elections in Ghana. He warned that hate speech could disrupt electoral activities and should be addressed seriously.
Regarding security, he mentioned that it is a growing concern in West Africa and the Sahel.
While the Volta Region is not seen as a high-risk security area, vigilance is necessary due to socio-economic challenges and inflammatory campaign rhetoric that could incite violence.
UN Resident Representative Charles Abani remarked that Ghana’s stability as a democracy reflects decades of commitment and institutional strengthening.
He noted that since the Fourth Republic began in 1992, Ghana has consistently held transparent and credible elections, supported by reforms that have built trust in the electoral process. He pointed out that the establishment of an independent Electoral Commission, biometric voter registration, and secure ballot systems have improved electoral administration.
He expressed confidence in the commitment of the Electoral Commission and political actors to a stable, credible, peaceful, and transparent electoral process, but highlighted the low participation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities in politics as an area needing attention.
The Volta Regional Chairman of the NPC, Rev. Seth Mawutor, asserted that the forum reflects the council’s commitment to conflict prevention, management, and resolution.
The President of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, Togbe Tepre Hodo IV, emphasized that peace is a valuable asset that must be preserved, as its absence could lead to national disaster.
