Former President and flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of peace pacts signed ahead of the 2024 elections, emphasizing the need for sincerity and trust among stakeholders.
Speaking during the signing of a peace pact on Thursday, November 28, Mr. Mahama underscored the importance of aligning words with 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 said.
He further warned that mistrust and insincerity among stakeholders would undermine efforts to build peace before, during, and after the polls.
Highlighting incidents from past elections, including the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election, Mr. Mahama questioned the government’s commitment to peace.
He recalled 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.” He pointed out that some victims of those incidents remain incapacitated, raising doubts about the sincerity of peace commitments.
“The inaction of the government in the face of the murder of eight of our citizens during the last election casts a shadow of doubt on government commitment to maintaining the peace,” Mr. Mahama asserted.
He also criticized the government’s refusal to act on the recommendations of the Emile Short Commission, stating that such indifference does little to inspire confidence among Ghanaians.
