The Presidential candidates for the 2012 December elections have appended their signatures to an undertaking to ensure a peaceful and violence free elections in Kumasi.

The landmark initiative was a collaboration of IDEG, National Peace Council, National House of Chiefs, the Manhyia Palace and Religious Organisations.

In the meeting at the Great Hall of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, the candidates committed themselves to peaceful elections.

The historic meeting saw former presidents Jerry John Rawlings and Mr John Agyekum Kuffuor together with the Chief Justice, Mrs Geogina Wood, the President of the National House of Chief and the Inspector General of Police, Paul Tawiah Quaye gracing the occasion.

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu, admonished all presidential candidates to jealously guard the existing peace Ghana is currently enjoying.

Presidential Candidate of the NDC, NPP, CPP, UFP, GCPP, PPP, PNC, and the only Independent candidate, Jacob Osei Yeboah took a collective stand against electoral violence, impunity and injustice in Ghana.

The PNC's Hassan Ayariga pledged to serve the whole nation if elected.

President John Mahama, flagbearer of the Ruling Party, NDC, called on all to stand up against electoral violence adding that the world is looking at Ghana as an oasis of democracy on the continent, therefore all of us must commit ourselves to a free and fair vote.

The flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Akufo-Addo on his part pledged not to do anything to endanger the peace of the nation in any way during this election. He said it is in our interest that the election comes off peacefully and the outcome is credible.

Former president Rawlings recounted how the electoral process has matured over the past years.

He said other African countries that have not manage petty squabbles have blown into full blown conflicts.

He however insisted that there should be vigilance at the polling station.

Former President Kufour said in the quest to secure power politicians do all manner of things to secure it, some may even go to the extreme of killing. According to him, the only way to win power is through the ballot process.

The Chief Justice, Justice Georgina Wood who led the candidates to append their signature to the document, nicknamed "The Kumasi Declaration", first read out the details.

The high level meeting with the 2012 Presidential Candidates was under the theme: Promoting Peaceful Elections and Justice, "Taking a stand against electoral violence, impunity and injustice in Ghana".

Meanwhile some political party executives, First, National Youth Organiser of the NDC Ludwig Hlodze said the party has been educating its supporters to conduct themselves responsibly before, during and after the elections.

The National Organiser of the CPP, Abu Forgor for his part said the party will expel those who misconduct themselves or go against the parties rules with respect to the conduct of the elections.

GBC NEWS