The National Democratic Congress (NDC), under the leadership of former President John Dramani Mahama, has formally endorsed the peace agreement for the 2024 Ghana elections in anticipation of the significant voting day scheduled for next weekend.
In light of this development, Mr. Samuel O. Sarkodee, also known as Sam Sarks, who previously served as the Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Columbus, Ohio Chapter, has urged the NDC leadership to issue a sincere apology to the Ghanaian populace for their previous actions and statements that he believes have attempted to weaken the National Peace Council.
John Mahama and the entire NDC owe Ghanaians an apology for their previous comments attacking the peace agenda and the Peace Council.
The individual asserts that the relationship between the NDC and the National Peace Council has been characterized by ongoing tension over the years.
Prominent members of the NDC, including their party Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, have frequently voiced their criticisms of the Council, alleging bias and calling into question its credibility.
These allegations intensified following the 2020 general elections, during which the party’s leadership dismissed the results and accused the Council of failing to maintain impartiality in the resolution of political conflicts.
Regarding the ruling NPP, he argued that the government, benefiting from its incumbency and available resources, has consistently shown its dedication to peace, and that the opposition NDC and John Mahama should demonstrate a similar commitment.
The burden of proof to the commitment of peace in the 2024 elections lies with the Presidential candidate of the main opposition NDC, John Dramani Mahama.
As Ghana approaches the 2024 elections, attention is increasingly focused on the NDC and its strategies for promoting peace. Although the signing of the peace agreement is a commendable step, there is a prevailing sentiment that tangible actions will be more significant than mere declarations.
This agreement, facilitated by the National Peace Council, seeks to ensure that all political parties adhere to principles of peaceful behavior before, during, and after the electoral process. While this initiative has received accolades, individuals such as Mr. Sarkodee argue that simply signing the agreement is insufficient.
John Mahama and the NDC must demonstrate genuine commitment to the principles of peace and reconciliation by apologizing for their past actions since they discredited the entire peace process.
It’s ironic that the same party that consistently hanged the Peace Council is now turning to them to facilitate a credible electoral process. An apology by the NDC would go a long way in restoring public trust.
