A Call For Political Parties To Promote Peace
 


Recent congresses held by the two major political parties the NDC and NPP to elect their executives have been very peaceful and successful. 

Ghana has once again demonstrated its democratic credentials. Ghana's democracy over the years has gone under various transformations and political parties should be congratulated for the good work done. If political parties can run their internal election peacefully then they have no reason whatsoever to record any violence in any elections.

Over the years political parties in Ghana have recorded violence, verbal assault and divisions within the party which has compelled some to breakaway to form their parties or joined other parties. But today members within the political parties have exhibited some level of maturity to accept the outcomes of their results. 

Unity in political parties have a great influence on promoting democracy. It is time that these parties extend these good deeds to promote external democracy and peace in the 2016 General elections and beyond. 

Parties should not aim at seeking their parochial interest but must ensure the well-being of the people by implementing effective policies and programs that will improve the livelihood of the people. 

Parties have realized that it is only unity and tolerance that can ensure a peaceful election and as such this should be used to unite Ghanaians to ensure peace in the country. 

The 2012 elections recorded some levels of politics of insult, tribalism and false reportage climaxed with exaggerations and lies. This notwithstanding raised a lot of tension, fear and panic in the previous elections. 

Parties should therefore wake up to boost the morale of Ghanaians that come what may, they will ensure peace in next elections. This confidence can be achieved when party officials, communicators discipline themselves and use their outfits to promote peace and decency. 

Party executives should educate its members especially the communication officials on how to deal with the media and coach them on how to talk on various platforms in order to bring sanity in the system. 

A country will have a peaceful election when members within the party learn to accommodate everyone's opinion.

Parties must do away with the “All die be die, bumper to bumper, kick and be kicked, men wielding machetes and guns in to party headquarters syndrome. We should know that a peaceful country is a wealthy country.

Political parties have contributed to national development through implementation of some social interventions and policies that have brought Ghana this far but these parties can be a curse when they instigate violence which affect the peace and stability of a country.

The 2016 general election is a cross road for us to either cross over to a peace and loving country or a war prone country. We should therefore not sacrifice national interest for partisan interest. 

Peace is needed in the wake of this economic crisis to attract investors into the country and also boost investors’ confidence. This when done will project Ghana to the world as at least one peaceful country in sub-Saharan Africa.


By: Richard Tawiah a Journalist