December 7 polls will be peaceful - President reaffirms commitment

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has reaffirmed the government’s “absolute commitment” to ensure that the upcoming December 7 general election is conducted peacefully, transparently and with the utmost respect for the democratic rights of every Ghanaian.

He said Ghana had long stood as a beacon of democracy on the African continent, and that “it is our collective duty to maintain this legacy for generations to come”.

“This year, Ghana stands at a critical juncture as we approach our upcoming elections. In this election year, I want to reaffirm my government’s absolute commitment to ensuring that these elections are conducted peacefully, transparently, and with the utmost respect for the democratic rights of every Ghanaian,” he said.

In an address read on his behalf by the Deputy Leader of the NPP Caucus in Parliament, Patricia Appiagyei, at the second General Assembly of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (CoSPAL) in Accra last Saturday, President Akufo-Addo said: “Our strength as a democracy lies in our unity and our shared values, and I call upon all Ghanaians, regardless of background or political affiliation, to join us in this commitment to peace”.

The two-day event was held under the distinguished leadership of the President of CoSPAL and Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin.

It brought together about 120 participants, including 15 Speakers and Presidents of national legislatures, 30 Deputy Speakers and Presidents, Clerks and Secretary-Generals, and supporting staff of parliaments and national assemblies across Africa.

The conference, which represents a decisive step towards enhancing legislative effectiveness and fostering regional solidarity in addressing shared challenges across Africa, will build on the foundation of the first general assembly to foster unity and collaborative governance among African legislatures. 

Model of democracy  

President Akufo-Addo said the government of Ghana, in collaboration with the Electoral Commission, security agencies and all relevant stakeholders, would create an environment in which all citizens could participate in the electoral process without fear, intimidation or interference.

He said the government understood that free, fair and peaceful elections were not merely a reflection of governmental integrity, but the foundation of democratic values.

“Our standing as a model of democracy is not by chance; it is a legacy earned through dedication, resilience and a firm commitment to upholding justice, equality and freedom,” he said.

Describing democracy as not being merely a political system, President Akufo-Addo said it was the lifeblood of the continent's future and a process of participation, inclusion and mutual respect among the people.

“As we strengthen our institutions and work to ensure transparency and accountability, we cement the foundations upon which Africa’s future will be built.

“In Ghana, we are proud of our strides towards deepening democracy and upholding the sacred trust placed in us by our citizens,” he said.

He said Ghana’s achievements were not isolated; they were part of a broader African story of resilience, innovation and progress.

Role of CoSPAL

President Akufo-Addo told the gathering that Africa had made strides in democratic governance, but it was undeniable that the continent continued to face serious obstacles.

He cited how the movement towards greater freedom, peace and development had at times been interrupted by violence, health crises and political instability.

“CoSPAL, therefore, has a responsibility to develop and promote legislative frameworks that protect the democratic rights of our citizens and foster a sense of shared responsibility in overcoming these challenges.

“We must strive for a borderless and boundless approach in addressing Africa's issues; for many of the challenges we face are not confined to our individual nations,” he said.

The President pointed out that free movement of people, economic integration and shared policies on security and health were crucial.

“I firmly believe that CoSPAL will achieve remarkable success by promoting legislative practices that transcend national interests and focus on Africa’s collective well-being,” he said.

Turbulence in Africa

Dwelling on threats to democracy in Africa, the President said democratic establishments sometimes faced periods of turbulence. 

Africa, as a continent with both young democracies and nations with evolving democratic practices had experienced firsthand the challenges of fostering political stability, he said.

“It is critical to recognise that democracy is a journey, not a destination. As leaders and custodians of democracy, our role in strengthening these systems and promoting peace and stability across the continent cannot be overstated,” he said.

In recent years, the President added, the continent had witnessed a concerning resurgence of military interventions in some nations, describing it as a regression that “we cannot ignore”.

“While democracy may face challenges, it is the best path forward, and it is our duty to promote, defend and protect it,” he said.

Mr Bagbin said parliaments worldwide, including those in Africa, played a crucial role in the socio-economic development and democratic governance through their representational, legislative and oversight functions.

However, he said, the traditional role of our legislative assemblies had been circumscribed by contemporary global economic challenges, the adverse impact of climate change and threats to regional and continental security, all of which were changing the dynamics of global governance.

“As representatives of the people, our parliaments cannot sit aloof or operate on the fringes of the efforts to combat these challenges.

“We must be at the centre of those efforts if we are to meet the needs and aspirations of the people we represent,” he said.