Dear Citizens,
Background and Purpose– the Society Organizations (CSOs) led by Local Governance Network- LOGNet and allied Development partners are committed to fostering social cohesion and unity within Ghanaian communities over the years at all levels.
It is realized that, in the wake of all elections and especially for 2024 electioneering campaigns, division and uncertainty in the Ghanaian Political landscape before, during and after 2024 General elections. are always characterized with insults or abusive words, misinformation and disinformation that leads to break down of social cohesion for common development agenda and therefore, it is crucial that we come together for building a society where everyone feels valued and included.
Therefore, it is realized that, Strengthening of Social cohesion is the foundation of a peaceful and prosperous society, and by the actions and inactions are of critical concerns. , It is noted that, CSOs continues to complement development through and by promoting and creating an environment where all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds, live together harmoniously as CSOs continues to be dedicated to promoting National Unity and peaceful understanding on issues, sustaining tolerance, and mutual respect among all citizens. By all efforts, CSOs are also addressing the root causes of community division and fostering inclusive dialogue, through building stronger, more resilient communities.
Call to Action
During this ongoing 2024 electioneering campaigns, The CSOs therefore appeal to all Ghanaians to strive against -Monetization of Electoral Politics, Vigilantism and Electoral Violence of all forms, Media and Sensationalism, The Politics of Ethnicity, Disrespect for authority and for the Elderly during this volatile election season to ensure deepening the engagement of all citizens on local events and initiatives that promote unity and understanding, transparency and accountable democratic Governance.
CSOs are emphasizing that, development must be inclusive or of all involvement and ownership in nature and to be sustainable, and therefore advocating for all citizens concerned Manifestoes or development policies and directives by next 2025-2029 Government in line with National development Agenda for ensuring equal access to opportunities and resources, employment and investment spaces, fairly and equitable distribution of services and infrastructure in the sectors including but limited to – Education, Agriculture and climate change financing ,and Renewable energy facilities, Healthcare facilities , and economic opportunities as well as equal political spaces and voices for all people in the decentralized governance system.
We, the CSOs are further advocating for policies and directives that promote social justice and equality irrespective of political or chieftaincy affiliations that continues to break Ghanaian togetherness and oneness for development for which election is purposeful in society
Furthermore, CSOs believe and trust that, Ghana as one people with common agenda for development, working together to create a society where everyone has the chance to succeed and contribute to our collective well-being, social cohesion is prime.
For Fostering Dialogue for peaceful election and development, CSOs continues to encourage open and respectful conversations with people from different backgrounds and offer time and space, skills to support voluntarily to community projects and initiatives with ownership and sustainable on all involving development spirit devoid of partisan and chieftaincy driven initiatives during electioneering campaigns.
Conclusion-
As one people, our collective efforts devoid of divisions can make a significant difference. Let us work together to build a nation where social cohesion is the norm, and every individual feels a sense of belongingness and concerns for all. As one nation, let us do everything within our powers to maintain the enviable reputation we have so far established as one of Africa’s leading countries whose united democratic development is a shining path/beacon which other countries others have followed and continue to follow. Let us admit our limitations, and be fully aware that what matters is that, we do not lose hope or give up our struggle to consolidate our political gains and improve upon our democratic credentials. Yes, together, we can create a brighter future for all through Social cohesion as national unity is of greater concern for total development of our beloved country-Ghana.
Mr. Christopher Dapaah -National Coordinator – LOGNet and Distinguished fellow of international council on social welfare (ICSW) 0244547417/0502253939 LOGNet Steering committee Chair- 0549625001, The Country Director Action Aid Ghana.
NOTE-Local Governance Network (LOGNet) is an umbrella association of Civil Society Organizations(CSOs) working on local governance issues in Ghana to promote effective decentralization and local governance as per Local Governance Act 936 of 2016 as amended Act 940 through the promotion of citizens’ participation in decision making and development.
