The air is tense as Ghana teeters on the brink of a political precipice—not with bullets or blades, but with words, necessitating a peace pact agreement between political parties.
In Ghana’s pre-election tensions, a peace pact refers to a formal agreement between the two major political parties, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), to ensure a peaceful and orderly election process. A neutral body like the National Peace Council typically broker this agreement. However, it serves as a commitment by the parties to renounce violence, respect the rule of law, and promote a fair and peaceful electoral environment.
The peace pact usually involves both parties agreeing to refrain from inciting their supporters, using inflammatory rhetoric, or engaging in election-related violence. There’s also a mutual commitment to accept the election’s outcome, provided independent observers deem it free and fair.
On one side, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) stands firm; its demands as a precondition for signing a peace pact are non-negotiable. On the other, the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) marches forward, seemingly unshaken by the storm brewing beneath the surface.
The National Peace Council in Ghana is an independent statutory body established by the National Peace Council Act, 2011 (Act 818). It is chaired by a member elected from among its eminent members, representing various religious and civil society groups.
The board’s current chairman is Rev. Dr. Ernest Adu Gyamfi. The Council’s broader role within Ghana’s political architecture includes mediating conflicts, promoting peace, and fostering dialogue among political and social groups. While it plays a critical role during elections to ensure peaceful conduct, its mandate extends beyond elections, as it also engages in conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and advising the government on issues affecting national harmony.
The National Peace Council is racing against time, desperately trying to eliminate any trigger of unrest. At the same time, ECOWAS watches closely, sending in observers. Shadows of doubt creep into the streets as misinformation swirls, and once-trusted institutions stand under siege by a divided populace. One wrong move, one failed negotiation, and the delicate peace that has held Ghana together could be shattered.
The question on everyone’s mind: Will the threads of diplomacy hold till December?
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has raised concerns over perceived manipulations in the electoral process. In a meeting with the National Peace Council’s Committee for the Code of Conduct on Vigilantism and Election-Related Violence, the NDC, led by its National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, laid out six conditions that must be met before the party signs a peace pact ahead of the polls.
Despite the NDC’s firm stance, the National Peace Council remains optimistic that the party will eventually sign the pact. Their confidence is rooted in a history of successful negotiations, but the clock is ticking, and the stakes have never been higher.
The NDC’s conditions and reluctance
The conditions include the government’s full implementation of the recommendations of the Ayawaso West Wuogon Election Commission of inquiry, the prosecution of those responsible for the killings of eight people during the 2020 elections, and the prosecution of individuals involved in the illegal printing of approximately one million extra ballot papers during the 2020 elections.
Other conditions include President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo publicly declaring on a state platform that he will respect the outcome of the 2024 elections, full disclosure from the Electoral Commission on the missing equipment, and a requirement that the President, the Inspector-General of Police, the Chief Justice, the National Security Coordinator, and the Attorney General all sign the pact.
Asiedu Nketia stressed that the NDC was not ready to “let bygones be bygones” and stated, “We will not be part of any engagement unless you bring together all the parties.”
Vincent Azumah, Head of Monitoring and Evaluation at the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), has expressed concern over the potential ramifications of the NDC’s reluctance to sign the peace pact.
While acknowledging that the NDC’s demands are not without merit, Dr Azumah warns that delaying their commitment could send a dangerous signal to party supporters.
“The party’s refusal to endorse the pact could send a negative message to its supporters and potentially incite violent actions. Should the party’s leadership continue withholding endorsement, this could inadvertently encourage supporters to engage in disruptive actions, potentially sparking violence.”
ECOWAS steps in
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has noted the escalating tensions in Ghana and the growing mistrust in the country’s key institutions. In a recent fact-finding mission, the regional body expressed concern over the fragility of the current political environment.
In response, ECOWAS recommended immediately deploying a team of long-term observers to monitor the situation closely. Their presence is intended to reassure the international community of Ghana’s commitment to maintaining its democratic credentials.
According to Professor Vladimir Antwi-Danso, dean of the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College, ECOWAS’s decision to send observers is not an indictment on Ghana’s international reputation. Rather, it is a proactive measure to safeguard the peace and stability that the country has enjoyed for decades.
“The move does not tarnish the country’s reputation as a beacon of democracy.”
He emphasised that deploying observers should encourage Ghana’s state institutions to ensure free and fair elections while discouraging inflammatory language from political figures.
NPP’s response
On the other hand, the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has remained largely unfazed by the NDC’s demands. The NPP’s Deputy General Secretary, Haruna Mohammed, has been vocal in dismissing the NDC’s ultimatum, stating confidently that the elections will proceed regardless of the NDC’s stance. His comments suggest that the NPP is focused on progressing with the electoral process, even amid growing political tension.
“If the NDC refuses to sign a peace pact, it won’t stop us from doing the same. Regardless, the elections will proceed as planned by the electoral commission.”
Addressing the underlying issues
Amid these developments, Paul Mensah Aborampah, Programmes Manager at the Centre for Democratic Development-Ghana, has called on political leaders to be mindful of their rhetoric. Aborampah noted that divisive language has contributed to the growing tension necessitating ECOWAS’s observer mission.
He urged political parties to take responsibility for de-escalating the situation by moderating their statements and engaging in more constructive dialogue.
The National Peace Council, too, continues its efforts to mediate between the political parties, urging calm and patience as the electoral process unfolds. They are keenly aware that a peace pact between the NPP and NDC would go a long way in ensuring a peaceful election. However, the challenge lies in addressing the NDC’s demands without compromising the integrity of the nation’s democratic institutions.
The path forward
The NDC’s ultimatum and the subsequent interventions by the National Peace Council and ECOWAS highlight the fragility of the peace that underpins the country’s electoral process. With the elections just months away, these institutions are racing against time to quell tensions, address grievances, and restore public trust in the system.
The National Peace Council intensifies its efforts to bring the NDC to the table. Simultaneously, ECOWAS’s long-term observer mission will work to ensure that the electoral process is transparent and credible.
The hope is that peace will prevail through diplomacy and continued dialogue, and Ghana will emerge from this election with its democratic integrity intact.
Our fellow produced this explainer as part of the requirements of the DUBAWA 2024 Kwame KariKari Fellowship in partnership with Asaase Radio, Ghana.
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