By King Amoah
As Ghana gears up for its upcoming elections, the specter of political violence looms large.
In a crucial forum held on November 23rd at the Aboabo Post Office Park, ASP Mohammed Awal Ahmed, Deputy Staff Officer of the Ghana Prisons Service, emphasized the dire consequences of electoral violence for individuals and the society at large.
Organized by the Sarkin Aboabo in collaboration with the Muslims Executive Foundation (MEF), the event aimed to raise awareness about electoral laws and the importance of peaceful participation in the democratic process, particularly within the Zongo communities.
ASP Mohammed Awal Ahmed was clear in his message: “Political violence is contrary to the laws and offenders risk facing imprisonment for not less than 15 to 25 years.” His words served as a stark reminder of the legal framework surrounding electoral conduct and the personal responsibility of each individual to abide by these laws.
As the nation prepares to cast its votes, he urged especially the youth within Zongo communities to adhere to the rules governing electoral processes, suggesting that doing so is vital in safeguarding their futures and the stability of the nation.
Highlighting the impact of violence, Anwar explained how actions that disrupt the electoral process can lead to a chain reaction of negative consequences for society. “When there is unrest due to elections, it can have devastating effects,” he noted, alluding to the harrowing experiences of countries like Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia, which endured significant loss of life and properties due to political turmoil.
“Let us learn from these examples,” he urged, “and strive for peaceful elections, returning home peacefully after casting our votes and accepting the will of the electorate.”
The forum served not only as a platform for discouraging violence but also as an opportunity for community leaders to focus on constructive dialogue.
Mr. Mohammed Hamid, Secretary of the Muslims Executive Foundation,(MEF) reinforced the necessity of peace and unity awareness campaigns within Zongo communities. He shed light on the unfortunate stereotype that has often linked Zongo residents with electoral violence.
“Our community has been wrongly tagged due to the actions of a few,” he remarked, encouraging an empowered response from the community to dissociate themselves from these negative perceptions. “It is our duty to represent our communities in a positive light, promoting peace and ensuring that our actions during these critical times reflect solidarity rather than strife.”
The discussion highlighted several forms of electoral offenses that could lead to violence and incarceration, such as unlawful conduct at polling stations, armed intimidation, and vigilantism.
ASP Awal reiterated that those found to commit these acts would face justice, emphasizing that there are no leniencies for those who disrupt the democratic process.
As Ghanaians stand on the precipice of this pivotal moment in their democratic journey, the call for peace and self-discipline resonates louder than ever. The message from the forum was clear: to maintain the hard-won peace and unity of the nation, collective effort is required.
Each individual’s choice to engage peacefully in the electoral process is a building block for a stable future, and as the elections approach, the message is simple: choose peace, choose democracy, and choose a future free from the chains of political violence.
