In a surprising and controversial development, President Nana Akufo-Addo and New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia were noticeably absent from the recent launch of Ghana’s National Peace Campaign.
The event, championed by Ghana’s major religious organizations and designed to promote unity and justice ahead of the 2024 elections, attracted other prominent leaders and was billed as a crucial step in fostering national peace.
The campaign, organized by the Ghana Pentecostal & Charismatic Council, the Christian Council of Ghana, the Office of the National Chief Imam, the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, and the National Association of Charismatic Christian Churches, aims to reinforce the importance of fairness and collaboration among political leaders.
Despite their official invitations and designation as Special Guests of Honor, neither President Akufo-Addo nor Dr. Bawumia attended. This conspicuous absence has raised serious questions about the NPP leadership’s commitment to the core tenets of justice and peace.
Stan Xoese Dogbe, a well-known figure in Ghanaian social and political discourse, did not mince words in his reaction to the absence.
In a Facebook post, he stated, “That should be a clear message to the clergy that the two gentlemen cannot commit to justice, which is a prerequisite for peace. They are not prepared to do the things that are needed to guarantee peace.” Dogbe’s comments have since reverberated across Ghana’s civil society, resonating with concerns among citizens who look to their leaders for integrity, especially in a politically charged pre-election period.
The event did see participation from other political figures, including Hassan Ayariga of the All People’s Congress (APC), who not only attended but spoke on the troubling situation in Bawku, underscoring his commitment to national peace. Alan Kyerematen, leader of the Movement for Change, sent Nana Ohene Ntow as his representative, reinforcing the Movement’s support for a unified and peaceful Ghana.
However, the absence of top officials extended beyond the NPP leadership. The Chairperson of Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC), widely viewed as central to ensuring a fair electoral process, also did not attend, nor did she send a representative. This no-show added to the growing concerns over accountability, as the EC’s role is pivotal in safeguarding Ghana’s democratic integrity.
Furthermore, while Inspector-General of Police Dr. George Akuffo Dampare opted not to attend in person, he did dispatch a representative to the event. The decision of Ghana’s top law enforcement official to send a delegate instead of appearing himself has added to the public’s scrutiny of the peace campaign, leaving some questioning the commitment of key authorities to this initiative.
Religious leaders, who are historically influential in Ghana’s social sphere, expressed disappointment over the lack of unity in such a critical time. Key speakers at the campaign launch reinforced the importance of justice as the foundation for peace, urging political stakeholders to uphold transparency and integrity. With Ghana’s religious community playing a vital role in social advocacy, the absence of both President Akufo-Addo and Dr. Bawumia is being interpreted as a signal that some of the country’s highest-ranking leaders may be overlooking this peace-building initiative.
While the Office of the President and Dr. Bawumia have yet to comment on their absence, the National Peace Campaign coalition remains determined to continue its outreach, pressing Ghana’s leadership for accountability and a genuine commitment to peace.
As religious and civil society leaders push for adherence to justice as the primary pathway to peace, the absence of top political figures at the event may continue to fuel concerns about the nation’s path toward a peaceful election season.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
