By: Rebecca Ekpe
An Election group tasked with the mandate to keenly monitor Ghana’s pre-election environment and other security situations in the country is predicting that despite some concerns, there are indications that the election stakeholders are determined to work together to ensure that Ghana records another feat of successful and peaceful general election.
Since its inauguration in May 2024 under the Chairmanship of Rev. Ernest Adu-Gyamfi, Chairman of the National Peace Council of Ghana, the National Election Response Group(NERG), has been working behind the scenes meeting with Election Stakeholders, such as the Electoral Commission, and sections of the security Apparatus in the country.
NERG is convened by the West African Network For Peace Building (WANEP) with support from the European Union. It serves as a key component of the Electoral violence Monitoring, Analysis and Mitigation (E-MAM) project funded by the European Union.
NERG is made up of State Institutions, Civil Society Organizations(CSOs) and other non-partisan elections stakeholders.
National Election Response Group (NERG) is particularly appreciative to all stakeholders for a meaningful collaboration towards a successful election 2024.
”NERG is optimistic that in the coming days, the EC will continue working withall political parties and stakeholders to enhance the credibility of our voters’ register as we approach the 2024 general election”, it said in a statement.
Meanwhile NERG drew attention to some concerns that could undermine the peace ahead of December 7.
* Defacing and destruction of political party publicity materials:
NERG says it has observed with concern the trend of destruction of posters, billboards and other publicity materials of political parties by their political opponents.
In the view of the Elections Monitoring Group, ”these acts can breach the peace we are enjoying as a country if not curtailed”.NERG is therefore encouraging the public not to undertake or participate in such acts.It appealed to the Ghana Police Service to monitor and respond to such acts to preserve the peace.
NERG also called on Political Parties to mount billboards or post campaign bills, ”without generating inappropriate reactions”.
* Political pronouncements whipping up Religious sentiments:
According to NERG, another worrying trend in the media has been pronouncements by Political and Religious figures which seek to draw religious sentiments into this year’s general election. ”We encourage the public to recall the harmonious nature persons of different religious persuasions have co-existed in the Country, and enhance acts of religious tolerance as we approach the impending general
election”, the noted.
While assuring citizens of its commitment to continue monitoring the situation across the country and undertake the necessary responses to facilitate a peaceful election in December 2024, NERG expressed appreciation to all partners and looked forward to more collaboration towards another round of credible polls in Ghana.
”NERG wishes to use this opportunity to express its profound appreciation to the Electoral Commission (EC), the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the New Patriotic Party (NPP), all other political parties and stakeholders in our electoral system for the cordial manner in which they have conducted themselves and cooperated with one another in our bid to ensure a credible, robust and acceptable voters’ register”, said Rev Ernest Adu-Gyamfi, Chairman, National Election Response Group.
