We’ll execute mandate to guarantee peace — EC

The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Jean Mensa, has stated that the commission will ensure that it executes its mandate to guarantee the peace of the country before, during and after the December 7 polls.

"That is a pledge that I make to you on behalf of the commission, that we will work hard in everything that we do for peace. We will work to ensure the peace of this nation and that means we will work to ensure that when you go home you can sleep in peace," she said.

Mrs Mensa gave an assurance that the EC would not let the nation down but ensure that "your hopes are not turned upside down because of violence and that you can go to school and you can get educated and you can go out and contribute your quota to this country."

Peace message

She stated this when about 100 schoolchildren from eight private schools under the Ghana National Council of Private Schools (GNA COPS) paid a courtesy call on her and her two deputies, Dr Eric Bossman Asare and Samuel Tettey, last Wednesday to appeal for peace to prevail before, during and after the 2024 general election.

The children underscored the need for peace to enable them to go about their studies smoothly and for their growth and development.

Their peace messages were displayed on placards, some of which read "Peace Today, Great Ghana Tomorrow", "Choose Peace, Great Ghana", "Our Future Is Bright With Peace", "For Our Future, Choose Peace", "We Are Ghana's Future, We Choose Peace" and "We Need A Peaceful Environment For Learning".

Contribute

Mrs Mensa stressed the need for all Ghanaians to rise to the occasion and contribute to building the country.

"This is the only country we have and we will surely do everything in our power to protect the peace, to maintain and sustain the peace that we enjoy. We are one.”

"This country belongs to all of us. We are indeed one people with one nation. This is the only country that we have," she emphasised and said "we will make sure that we do not disappoint you".

Commendation

Mrs Mensa thanked the leadership of GNA COPS, the executive director, the coordinator and all the members of the association for the visit.

She said it was really a privilege to find innocent children around the table and she did not take that for granted.

"Indeed, when I heard their voices, their beautiful voices singing the peace song, I was of the view that this song should ring throughout this time, until after the elections," she said.

Education

The Executive Director of GNA COPS, Obenfo Nana Kwasi Gyetuah, said on behalf of 3.9 million private school learners across Ghana, "we recognise the power of education in shaping the future generation. Through the Peace Ghana initiative, we aim to promote peaceful elections and responsible citizenship".

One of the students, Seyram Akosua Asempa, said the private school sector had contributed significantly to the country's educational progress.

"Your commitment to transparency, fairness and peace will ensure a successful and inclusive election for all Ghanaians," she said.

Another student, Samuel-Elvin Vayram Ampofo, said they had a dream to spread peace and unity across Ghana.

"We want to create a special event where important leaders can come together and share messages of peace to inspire everyone in our country."