President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepening national unity and strengthening Ghana’s democratic institutions through inclusive governance and deliberate reforms.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Post-Election Conference organised by the National Peace Council in Koforidua on Friday, July 4, President Mahama praised stakeholders for their participation and charged them to ensure that the outcomes of their deliberations are translated into meaningful national progress.
“It is a distinct honour for me to address this closing ceremony of the post-election conference held under the compelling theme Dialoguing for a Stronger Democracy and Social Cohesion,” he said. “This national dialogue is timely and necessary, because through dialogue we cultivate mutual understanding, reduce tensions, and create shared commitments toward the Ghana we all desire.”
The president emphasised that peace and unity are indispensable to national development and must be prioritised across the political and social spectrum. He stated that Ghana’s democracy cannot thrive without mutual respect, tolerance, and strong institutions.
“Our political differences must never become tools for division, mistrust, or violence,” President Mahama cautioned. “No nation can prosper in an atmosphere of fear, suspicion, and exclusion.”
Referencing Article 35(6) of the 1992 Constitution, he reiterated the state’s obligation to promote integration and prohibit discrimination on grounds of origin, gender, religion or ethnicity. He commended successive governments for upholding this principle, noting that peace and national unity have always been central to Ghana’s governance.
President Mahama expressed concern over Ghana’s decline in the 2024 Global Peace Index, where the country dropped four places to 55th globally. While Ghana still ranks as the most peaceful country in West Africa, he described the drop as a “wake-up call,” stressing the need for proactive measures to address the root causes of discord.
Touching on the 2024 general election, the president praised the largely peaceful conduct of the polls but condemned incidents of violence that marred the process in some constituencies. He called on the Inspector General of Police to expedite investigations and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice. He also disclosed that the Attorney General is preparing a report to Cabinet to consider compensation for victims and their families.
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While commending the Electoral Commission, security services, political parties, and civil society for safeguarding Ghana’s democratic credentials, President Mahama was clear that more needs to be done.
“Elections are high-stake events. They test our institutions and our values. But violence still thrives when grievances are left unresolved, and when political discourse becomes toxic,” he noted.
The president reiterated his commitment to strengthening Ghana’s democracy through reforms that include addressing electoral irregularities, investigating the unlawful circulation of Electoral Commission materials, and upholding the rule of law.
“The future we seek cannot be built on division,” he stressed. “It requires unity of purpose, respect for diversity, and constructive engagement across party lines, religious beliefs, and ethnic identities.”
President Mahama also assured that his government will take the necessary steps to ensure the recommendations from the conference, especially those on electoral integrity, misinformation, youth engagement, governance and media responsibility, are submitted to relevant bodies, including the ongoing Constitutional Review Committee.
“Ghana must continuously improve its democratic architecture, not just through elections, but through deliberate reforms that reflect the aspirations of our people,” he stated.
President Mahama concluded that peace-building is a continuous journey that requires vigilance, sacrifice, and mutual trust. “Let us empower our young people to believe in dialogue over violence, cooperation over conflict, and service over self-interest,” he urged. “I reaffirm my unwavering commitment to strengthening our democracy, preserving our peace, and upholding the dignity of every Ghanaian.”
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
