House of Chiefs demands Electoral Commission hold peaceful election

The National House of Chiefs has called on the Electoral Commission of Ghana to ensure it makes peaceful conduct of the upcoming December general election its priority.

It says this entails ensuring that no qualified Ghanaian is disenfranchised and that the elections are free and fair for all political players.

Threats of anarchy

A statement from the House read: “We are very concerned about the growing tension in our country, at a time when we are confronted with COVID-19, the CSM epidemic, flooding, joblessness, that naturally require unity towards finding the appropriate solutions.

“In the face of these challenges, what Ghanaians need is hope but sadly our airwaves are filled with intimidation and threats of anarchy and mayhem,” it said.

The House is worried about the escalating tension and is questioning the Electoral Commission’s decision to compile a new voters’ register without honouring an invitation to the House of Chiefs to dialogue about stakeholders’ various concerns.

It is demanding a sober reflection and honest evaluation of the country’s progress over the past 63 years.

“As chiefs, we have the responsibility and duty to speak objectively on national issues and in defence of the nation’s interest,” it said.

The House has therefore called on Ghanaians to subordinate individual interest and loyalty to individual political parties to a national desire for peace, unity and development.

How prepared?

Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission is expected to update Parliament on its preparedness towards the conduct of the December general election.

The presentation comes amid concerns about the decision to compile a new voters’ register. The minority National Democratic Congress is strongly against the decision to commission a new register.

Fred Dzakpata

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