Mahama warns against mistrust in peace commitments ahead of Ghana's Election 2024  

The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has expressed doubts about the effectiveness of peace agreements signed ahead of Ghana’s 2024 general elections, warning that mistrust and insincerity among stakeholders could render such commitments meaningless.

Speaking at a peace pact signing event on Thursday, November 28, Mr. Mahama emphasised the importance of translating declarations into actions to ensure lasting peace.  

“There is reason to be concerned that the signing of this pact, though well-intentioned, could amount to nothing if not followed by concrete actions to guarantee the peace by the stakeholders and government,” he stated.  

Concerns over sincerity  

Mr. Mahama pointed to a disconnect between words and actions, particularly by those in positions of authority, as a significant challenge to maintaining peace.  

“It is all well and good for us to commit to peace and recite beautiful platitudes. However, all efforts to build peace before, during, and after the 2024 elections would be futile if mistrust and insincerity persist. Mistrust arises when there is a disconnect between words and actions, compounded by gaslighting from those in authority,” he remarked.  

Reflection on past incidents  

The former president referenced incidents during the 2020 elections and the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election as examples that cast doubt on the sincerity of commitments to peace.  

“We all recall the appalling spectacle of masked men acting on the orders of operatives of the government, shooting indiscriminately at innocent Ghanaians going about their legitimate electoral activity during that by-election. Some of the victims of that shooting incident remain incapacitated till now,” he recounted.  

He criticised the government’s refusal to act on the recommendations of the Emile Short Commission, suggesting that such inaction undermines public trust in its commitment to peace.  

“The inaction of the government in the face of the murder of the eight of our citizens during the last election casts a shadow of doubt on government commitment to maintain the peace. How are we to believe that such killings would not reoccur?” Mr Mahama questioned.  

Call to action  

Mr. Mahama urged all stakeholders, particularly the government, to match their words with deeds to ensure peaceful, credible, and transparent elections in 2024.  

The peace pact event serves as a platform for political leaders and stakeholders to pledge their commitment to maintaining peace during Ghana’s electoral process, a critical aspect of the country’s democratic stability.