Story by, Nsor Paul Mensah
Accra, Ghana - The Trades Union Congress (TUC) of Ghana has issued a strong call for all stakeholders to work together to ensure free, fair, and peaceful elections in the country's upcoming 2024 general election.
In a statement released on December 2nd, 2024, TUC Secretary General Joshua Ansah emphasized the high stakes of the election and the need for government, political parties, the Electoral Commission, and other actors to lower political tensions and uphold Ghana's democratic process.
"Ghana's electoral democracy is on its forward march. Despite economic, social, and political challenges, our democracy must thrive as we embark on the 9th electoral exercise since 1992," Ansah said. "For this to happen, we are calling on government, the political parties, the electoral commission, and all stakeholders to do their utmost best to ensure free, fair, and peaceful elections on December 7, 2024."
The TUC urged the Electoral Commission to remain resolute, independent, and transparent in carrying out its mandate. It also called on political parties to exhibit maturity, fairness, and focus on key issues facing Ghanaians rather than divisive rhetoric.
Additionally, the statement admonished the media to report elections-related issues responsibly, and appealed to security agencies to maintain neutrality and firmly address any attempts to disrupt the electoral process.
Ansah reminded President Nana Akufo-Addo of his responsibility to ensure peaceful elections, stating that "overseeing peaceful elections in which Ghana wins will be a far greater and juicier win for you regardless of the outcome."
The TUC pledged to monitor the electoral process and call out any groups or individuals seeking to undermine the will of the Ghanaian people. The union urged all workers and their families to participate in the elections and refrain from engaging in political violence.
"Let there be peace before, during and after the elections!!!" the statement concluded.