For all public elections, the Electoral Commission of Ghana is the official body in Ghana responsible. It constituent seven members, it had its independence guaranteed by the 1992 Ghana constitution.

The current commission was initiated by the Electoral Commission Act (Act 451) of 1993. Dr.Kwadwo Afari-Gyan was the first ever Chairman of the Electoral Commission from the year 1993 to 2015.Madam Jean Adukwei Mensah headed the Electoral Commission on the 5th of December, 2018 and changed the old logo Eagles with coat of arms after the controversy over the new logo from her predecessor Madam Charlotte Osei.

The position of Chairman became untenanted in June 2018 after the President, Nana Akufo-Addo terminated the appointment of Charlotte Osei, the first female to occupy this position in Ghana.

This was apparently based on the advocacy of a committee set up by the former Chief Justice of Ghana, Sophia Akuffo. In June 2015, Madam Charlotte Osei was appointed by former President John Mahama in consultation with the Council Of State.

Amadu Sulley and Georgina Opoku Amankwa were Charlotte Osei’s two deputies and they were appointed by John Atta Mills and John Dramani Mahama respectively, the then Ghanaian Presidents following the retirement of David Kangah who had served in the commission for 19 years.

Sarfo-Kantanka who had served for about 20 years was replaced by Georgina Opoku Amankwa who was appointed by former President John Dramani Mahama. She is the first female Deputy Chairman of the Commission.

In February 2004, An administrator Mrs. Paulina Adobea Dadzawa and Ebenezer Aggrey Fynn, a Management Consultant were appointed by former President Kufuor in deliberation with the Council of State of Ghana.

Following various allegations of fraud and corruption leveled against the Chairman, Charlotte Osei and her two deputies in June 2018, were sacked by Nana Akuffo-Addo, President of Ghana following an audit/investigation by a committee set up by Sophia Akuffo the former Chief Justice.

The new Electoral Commissioner, Jean Adukwei Mensah, along with her two new deputies, Samuel Tettey and Eric Bossman as well as another new member Adwoa Asuama Abrefa were all sworn in by President Akufo-Addo on 1 August 2018 after the President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo nominated 4 EC top officials in July, 2018.

Written by:

Akosua Aniwah

Reference:

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The Electoral Commission has stated that, the new voter registration is supposed to confirm capable and significant use of technology to safeguard the validity of the ballot count and also the acceptance of results.

According to the Commission, the standard of the current voters’ register opposes an essential role within the electoral method obsolete and incomplete register couldn’t be relied on for an electoral method, that secure the principle of one man, one vote and acceptance of results among stakeholders was the reliance on how to correct and competent it identifies folks and properly eliminates fraud.

On Tuesday 31st December 2019,Deputy Chairman of EC in charge of Operations, Mr. Samuel Tettey made a public decision of the EC at a press conference in Accra and indicated that the current voters register was over bloated and that there had not been an effective means of cleaning it.

He mentioned in an exceedingly finite political climate, wherever there was a complete lack of trust among parties concerned within the electoral method, biometrics enabler if it’s not up-to-date and responsive. “It’s solutions should be complete and comprehensive to render the electoral method reliable, credible, clear and trustworthy,” he added.

The IT infrastructure, “that supports this biometric voting management system should be modern, secure, reliable, sturdy and have the mandatory performance options to satisfy tight electoral timetables and tightened service requirements”.

Addressing a press conference at its headquarters in Accra on Tuesday, December 31, 2019, the EC’s Deputy Chairman in charge of Operations, Mr. Samuel Tettey, said it would make more economic,cost effective and operational sense to obtain the new system than to keep the current system and overhaul them at a high cost of recurrent replacement of foible parts and renewal of warranties. Mr.Tettey noted that as a result of over bloating, EC has to use manual verification where voter’s finger prints cannot be verified.

An amount of US$70.96million (GHC390.3 million) would be needed to do the compilation exercise which would begin in April this year,the report said.

Part of the money would be used to acquire new biometric voter management system (BVMS) and biometric voter register kits as well as upgrading of the biometric verification device (BVD) to ensure an improved system,Mr. Tettey added.

“Their component parts currently often breakdown and replacements to fix them and some other important parts are difficult to obtain and this may be due to the fact that the manufacturer is not no longer producing them or running supports for them, and this makes the value of maintenance of the equipment too expensive. Value quotation offered by the prevailing merchant for the melioration and upgrade of existing system was as high as obtaining a totally new infrastructure (both hardware and software) in place”, he stated.

According to him, the information backup system in the current system basically freezes often thus no entries may be made into the system took days to complete.

Written by:

Akosua Aniwah.

Reference:

https://images.app.goo.gl/SK3vWHLvo5J3EryX6

https://images.app.goo.gl/4jpS25KZNMVKssx26

Democratic elections in Ghana are held every four years. Ghanaians go to the polls to elect a president who is supposed to win by having more than 50% of valid votes cast. Parliamentary elections are also part of the exercise. Two hundred and seventy five members of parliament are also voted for and to become an MP you must win the elections by a simple majority.

To qualify for parliamentary elections in Ghana, constitutionally, the qualifications of person aspiring to enter into parliament is explicitly enshrined in The 1992 Republican constitution article (94)

a. Subject to the provisions of this article, a person shall not be qualified to be a Member of Parliament unless –

b. He is a citizen of Ghana, has attained the age of twenty-one (21) years and is a registered voter;

c. He is resident in the constituency for which he stands as a candidate for election to Parliament or has resided there for a total period of not less than five (5) years out of the ten (10) years immediately preceding the election for which he stands, or he hails from that constituency; and
d. He has paid all his taxes or made arrangements satisfactory to the appropriate authority for the payment of his taxes.

Parliamentary elections go through the primaries stage where members of the party keenly contest each other to win the bid to represent their constituencies in the general elections

Parliamentary elections are just as controversial as presidential elections. Massive campaigns are held in various constituencies where candidates get the chance to talk to members of the constituency. They only have one term of office that lasts for four years.

Ahead of the 2020 general elections in Ghana, all the 275 members have shown how ready they are and have also added their voices to the peace campaign ahead of the polls. Let There Be Peace Before During and After The 2020 Elections.

Story by: Amanda Doukpola

Photocredit: http://www.graphiconline.com

http://www.google.com

But as youth, we should reason before we vote anyone to power. We should not just vote anyone to power just because we have an affiliation to their party but rather listen to the manifestos and choose wisely which Party’s policies would best benefit our nation.

Over the years, majority of the youth have always had an affiliation to one part or the other and voting has usually been done based on their affiliation to a particular party. We therefore end up voting people into power simply because they are of a particular Party.

That is to say, that the basis of voting should not be just the party affiliation but rather an examination of the contents of their manifestos and policies.This would help elect the right leaders.

Most African countries have been affected by several conflicts due to elections. This has led to various civil wars which has dented and tarnished the image of the continent. Before and after the elections.

We must organize peaceful movements during and after the elections. Organizing such peaceful movements within the country greatly helps to promote peace. These bring people of different backgrounds, religions, tribes, and ethnicitie together and interact freely. Civil education is brought on board to teach people the importance of living in peace and harmony. Lots of education goes on and people get to learn lessons.
We must volunteer in community activities like, football matches, visiting the sick in hospitals, cleaning the towns, visiting children homes, visiting the elderly, among others to help promote unity. This is a great way of giving back to society and showing how much we love each other. Hence, it strengthens the relationship of people within the community and also promotes peace.

We must get involved in both local and national government meetings which are held within the country occasionally. This is where we ’re able to listen to our leaders and also express our views on matters affecting us. We get to send share our worries and needs with the leaders. This helps to create a bond between the government and the community and promotes peaceful co-existence within the community.

We must add our voice and make sure that the electoral commission (EC) is empowered with the resources and logistics for running a smooth electoral process. First of all the competing groups must have confidence in the EC and respect its mandate to run credible polls. Voter education and awareness must be deeply undertaken to avoid tension and frustration with the processes. The EC must fix all its machines and get all materials and logistics ready in abundance before embarking on the voting exercise.

Fellow young people, we have been down this road before. We have had controversial and heated elections in the past, and we have always shown the world that indeed our democracy has come of age. We may have our disagreement but the top interest and love for Ghana should not only be our commandment but our prime concern. Please do not let politicians and violent extremist use you.

BY. KENNETH OWUSU

The 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Ghana is an ongoing viral pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19), a novel infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome. In Ghana, presidential and parliamentary elections takes place every four years and the year 2020 marks one of such which grants Ghanaians the opportunity to exercise their franchise. One may ask, does the coronavirus pandemic pose a threat to our civil right as Ghanaians to vote as stipulated in Article 42 of the 1992 constitution?

The first two cases of COVID-19 in Ghana during the 2019-20 worldwide pandemic was confirmed on 12th March 2020 when two people returned from Norway and Turkey. There has been an increment of confirmed cases of COVID-19 since then. The Electoral Commission (EC) which had initially fixed April 18, 2020 for the commencement of the compilation of a new voters register has postponed the registration till further notice. This is as result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Electoral Commission (EC) said it would review the decision at the end of April or early May this year. Does this mean if more COVID-19 cases are confirmed and a total lock down is required, the EC cannot carry out its review on the compilation of a new voters register? Another school of thought suggests the old voters register be maintained to reduce the spread of the corona virus.

The Electoral Commission should start taking the necessary steps towards the elections by considering other means of voting rather than standing in long queues to vote as this may pose a threat the health of the Ghanaian citizenry. However, election professionals and voting experts are anxiously looking forward to December and warning that the coronavirus pandemic is already threatening the safety and integrity of the next presidential elections. Our elections may be disrupted if there is a foreign invasion.

Story By: ERIC NYARKO

Sources: http://www.graphiconline.com, http://www.ghanahealthservice.org

Photo credit: http://www.google.com

Twenty twenty started with tragic situations from the previous year. This year hasn’t been the best year comparing to the previous years. Smokes from Australia’s Bush fires. At least 27 million acres of Australia has been burnt. The fire killed at least 29 people, destroyed some 2,500 homes and an estimated 1.25billion animals have been lost.

Just as we thought the world could be any safer, corona virus kicks in from China but now spread among the whole world. Coronavirus disease ( COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a new virus. The virus is spreading real fast among the whole world causing a lot of deaths and leading to the lock down of many countries. Changing the normal routine of individuals in the world. And the whole population being quarantined in order to stop the spread of the virus.

Things couldn’t get any worst when news about the Hantavirus from China also came in on the 24th of March 2020. Hantavirus is a virus of a-genus carried by rodents and causing various febrile hemorrhagic diseases, often with kidney damage or failure

These situations have a lot of people believing these are the signs of the end time. That’s the second coming of Jesus Christ. With all being said. The world has suffered enough. The earth has hurt enough. The last thing we could do to make it better when everything is over and put in place is a peaceful elections. Violence during election after everything the world has been through is the last thing we wish for. Twenty twenty deserves a peaceful election.

Stay home. Stay calm. God over everything.

STORY BY; ANGELA ZUTAH

SOURCE: http://www.worldometers.info. http://www.dailymail.co.uk. http://www.google.com. http://www.graphiconline.gh.com

PHOTO CREDIT: http://www.google.com

For the past years ,Youth participation in politics and elections has played an important role in the Ghana’s politics.

Youths active engagement in politics has in the past caused some changes in Ghana’s political history such as the young being innovative and having the power to be positive-change agents .

Some of the youth such as African Center For Peace Building (AFCOPB) have used their power, strength and voice to promote peace and stability towards the upcoming elections in December,2020. They have implemented projects to help build the capacities of the youth and women in the area of Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Local Governance. They have also embarked on projects that seek to use justice to ensure peace and security in various communities .

What can the youth do to ensure a peaceful election in Ghana?

As young people, the youth has a great future ahead of them and in order to achieve that future ,they all need to support the promotion of peace, before, during and after the 2020 polls to enable the country in sustaining prosperity.

Young people can ensure peace by changing their attitudes positively towards people, traditions, religion or beliefs . They can also learn to combine their commitment with patience. Ut is advisable that youth should learn to live together harmoniously and be responsible for promoting peace and non-violence before, during and after the elections .

The Youth can also plead with political leaders to engage them in contributing to developmental programmes .They can also plead with themselves to engage in peace building and help develop an interest in national development.

Written by :Nadia Moujalled

Reference:http://afcopb.org/

Photo credit:https://www.yfmghana.com/2018/09/05/ghana-youth-walk-scheduled-for-september-21/

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Who would have ever thought with all the NDC and NPP drama, where they get to insult themselves on radio and television stations. There was ever going to be a marriage reunion between this two opposition party?

Well National Democratic Congress(NDC) Deputy national organizer, Chief Hamilton Biney marries New patriotic party ( NPP) Maame Afia Akoto who is now the deputy director of the micro finance and small loans center (MASLCO).

They tied the knot on February 12, 2020. The wedding was attended by members of the two opposition party and other parties as well. There was only love and happiness and one people getting together for merry making. This is to prove that indeed. One people, one peaceful election, one Ghana.

Check out photos and videos from the marriage ceremony

Media is the channelof information by which we communicate through newspapers, television or social media. The purpose of this communication is to provide information to public and to create awareness regarding a particular issue. Through this media, journalist can convey their messages or news to a layman and it has also the capability to change the perceptions of viewers as well.

social media and other digital tools have become a powerful force in conflict prevention, on a national and international level. Now a day people experience the power of the internet using hand held devices such as cell phones,tablets and many more.Taking all these factors into account, it becomes imperative that we realize the hidden power of social media and how it can be used to transform societies, individuals and even governments.

The media is the content that provides the message, whether of tolerance and peace or intolerance and war. It is thus our responsibility as media users to support those media elements which promote the values which make a better world and discourage those elements which take the easier and often more profitable route of pandering to our darker side objectives;

To evaluate the strengths of social media as a tool for conflict prevention and peace building; to analyze the contribution of regulatory mechanism of social media in promoting peace building; to examine the potential role of social media in generating social and political tensions that might result into violence; and to identify the early warning social and political signals through social media and conflict prevention.

The transmission of ideas is also not limited to conventional media such as newspapers, TV or radio. Arguably, the traditional media takes primacy in this, however, new technologies, the internet and digital content should also be considered .Another advantage of local media, is that in border areas it is possible to convey peace messages to passing fighters and refugees alike.Broadcasting news by using social media can help reach people in different areas, even with different languages more easily. This way people can be addressed directly and their own personal experiences and lives can be incorporated much better.

TAKYI LINDA

https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/over-10-million-ghanaians-using-the-internet-report.html

https://gs.statcounter.com/social-media-stats/all/ghana

When it comes to democracy and elections in Ghana, the media has played a very essential and important role. I can boldly say that democratic elections without the media will be impossible especially in this 21st century. When we talk of media many people limit it to print, radio and television. Over the years, new media including social media and online journalism have been the platform where citizen journalism is widely practiced, especially in countries where traditional media is either controlled or strictly regulated.

         For an election to be free and fair, it is not only about the freedom and the knowledge of how to cast a vote, but also about taking part in the process where voters engage in public debates and have enough information about parties, policies, candidates and the election process itself . As the 2020 general election approaches, there are some steps the media can take to ensure that there is peace, before, during and after the elections.

         First of all, the media need to maintain a high level of professionalism, accuracy and impartiality in their coverage and reportage especially during the elections. Contents of their programmes should promote peace unity and love for mother Ghana.

          The watchdog role of the media must be highly demonstrated. They should use their platforms to:

1. educate voters on how to exercise their democratic rights through voting
2.  allow political parties and candidates to communicate only positive and peaceful  message to the electorates
3.  report election campaigns of all parties  and not just one side
4. Cover the entire elections, monitor vote counting and report results
5.  Provide information that is free from of provocative language that can ignite war and chaos.
6. The national media commission must make sure that they  regulate and monitor the activities of media houses before, during and after the elections.  We need Ghana safe and alive before, during and after the 2020 December polls!  God Bless Our Homeland Ghana!! 

Story By: Bernice Kumah

Photo Credit: http://www.google.com

Sources: www.aceproject.org ,  www.modernghana.com , http://www.mfwa.org

The Peace Pipers are a group of university students who have come together to promote peace and non violence ahead of the 2020 elections in December. They embarked on this project some weeks ago and have been able to reach a wider audience. The main objective of the project was to educate students, workers and lecturers in various universities in Accra to be vigilant of the impact of violence during elections.

      They started the campaign from the prestigious Central university Miotso campus, where students were engaged in one on one interactions about how to promote peace before,during and after the elections. They later moved to Prampram , Miotso and its environs  where they educated students of Prampram senior high school. They later campaigned in the University of Ghana, Pentecost University as well as Dominion University where they shared souvenirs like Peace Pipers branded items like mugs, pens, t shirts and more.

    They visited various halls of the universities where students willingly joined the discussion. The theme for the project was, `The Ballot Is Stronger than the Bullet’.They had different messages on placards that helped to reach out to the general public.

If you want peace, you can’t get it with violence, Peace is Always Beautiful , Breathe in Peace, Breathe Out Love, Violence is the Problem Not The Solution,Peace Cannot Be Kept With Force, It Can Only Be Achieved By Understanding and many more positive messages.

     The 2020 general elections will only be peaceful if we all join hands and reach out to Ghanaians and educate them. They called on all students in other universities to take up this challenge and use the opportunity to educate the youth.

Story By Kenneth Owusu

Photo Credit: Peace Pipers

All over the world, the wide spread of social media is impacting elections either positively or negatively. These social media platforms have the capacity to highly increase political participation and can also be used to silence agreement, spread false information and even fuel electoral tension.

                   Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and WhatsApp and others have a great impact on public discourse and shape the mind of the mass followers. It is the source of information for many people especially the youth.  This is why it is a means through which we can use to promote peace, before, during and after the 2020 elections here in Ghana.

                    First of all, Internet service providers, telephone companies and the state should carry out public information and education campaigns as part of actions to curb online hatred. The general public should be educated on what real and fake news are, and the need to verify or cross check information before believing or using them.

       Political leaders should use social media to interact with followers, spread vital information, and to mobilize supporters during election period. Peace actors like the national peace council, council of state and others should use the platform to educate Ghanaians about circulation of hateful and provocative messages that can lead to violence. During the elections we can use social media to share videos of violence and other misconducts  at polling stations should there be any. This helps generate public attention, alerts the police, government and other actors.

           Social media users also require protection from unnecessary interference and irresponsible users especially through self-regulation and moderation by site managers. This will guarantee users their rights to freedom of expression.

      It is our responsibility as social media users to support those media elements which promote the values which make a better Ghana and discourage those elements which only lead to violence, hate, war and genocide.

          Social media can be used to promote peace and encourage dialogue among people from different ethnic and religious background. If social media is well-utilized, it can change one’s perception on ethnicity, attitude and promote tolerance and mutual understanding. This can bridge the divisions between ethnic groups. Let us use social media to promote peace before, during and after the 2020 elections in December.

Story by : Deborah Okulolo

Source : https://sysomos.com/2016/10/05/social-media-affects-politics/

Photo Credit: http://www.google.com

Vigilantism is any law enforcement undertaken without legal authority by a self-appointed group of people. This is not a new feature in Ghana politics as research shows that, it has its roots in the country`s independence movement from British rule where The CPP and NLM had vigilante groups.

             Vigilante groups like the Azorka boys, Aluta boys, 66 bench and the hawks work for the NDC and then invincible forces, Bolga bulldogs, Action troopers and Delta forces work for the NPP .This has grown to become a major problem in recent times in our political circle. They have disrupted and caused violence during by-elections in areas like, Atiwa, Akwatia, Chereponi, Talensi, Amenfi West and recently in Ayawaso West Wuogon  .

They have chased government officials from offices forcefully, seized properties and broken into police custody to free their members.To prevent vigilantism in the upcoming general elections in December 2020, the following and measures can help.

  1. All political parties must support the Vigilantism and Related Offences Bill which was passed in 2019. This law sends a strong signal to the youth, “macho men” and politicians who fund these groups. Politicians should educate their followers when they mount political platforms that vigilantism is unlawful so they should not allow political parties to use them for such acts.

  2. Political interference in law enforcement must stop since it leads to mistrust of the security apparatus especially when in opposition. The police and other security agencies should have nothing to do with politics and must always sit on the fence so that they can perform duties diligently.

  3. The Ghana Police service must be independent, well-resourced and prevented from partisan politics. This will give them authority to arrest and prosecute vigilantes.

 4. Unemployment and poverty among large number of the youth is a major cause of vigilantism. Because they have no work to do they follow politicians who mislead them.  Jobs should be provided by government in order to keep the youth busy since the devil finds work for the ideal hands to do.

5. The 1992 constitution should be amended to make the position of IGP competitive rather than appointed by the president. When presidents appoint the IGPs it is easy for them to control and manipulate them which renders them incapable of delivering.

6.Lastly,  All Ghanaians must add their voice and protest against vigilantism to send a strong warning and signal to the government since Political vigilantism only bring about both physical and psychological violence to the people of Ghana.

        The IGP James Oppong Boanuh has sent a strong warning to all vigilantes, political parties and trouble makers who seek to perpetrate violence in the upcoming December 2020 elections. Let There Be Peace In 2020.

StoryBy: ERIC NYARKO

Sources: www.google.com, www.modernghana.com

Photo credit: http://www.theheraldghana.com, www.dailyguide.com, www.otmediaonline.com

War is always a choice and it is always a bad choice. It is a choice that always leads to more war. It is not mandated in our genes or our human nature. It is not the only possible response to conflicts. Nonviolent action and resistance is a better choice because it defuses and helps resolve conflict. But the choice for nonviolence must not wait until conflict erupts. It must be built into society: built into institutions for conflict forecasting, mediation, adjudication, and peacekeeping. It must be built into education in the form of knowledge, perceptions, beliefs and values—in short, a culture of peace.

. Don’t be put off by people who know what is not possible. Do what needs to be done, and check to see if it was impossible only after you are done.Paul Hawken (Environmentalist, Author)

❖ Do Not Argue About Politics in Public

If you belong to a particular political party and there is an argument about another political party, then it is important that you do not join in. This is so that you do not dabble into the augment that may warrant a fight to ensue.

❖ Always Get Back On Time

The election period in various countries of the world, may be a time for violence to develop; therefore it is appropriate that you do not stay out late. As a matter of fact you have got to get home early.

❖ Do not Support or Wear Political Campaign Uniforms in Public

If you belong to any political party, it may be better that you do not wear political party uniforms. This is so that you do not attract the attention of opposition party members who may be irritated by it. More often than not these party members may be all out to injure others.

❖ Always Listen to the News Always.

One of the ways to be security conscious during election time is to always stay abreast with issues. One of the ways to comfortably do this is by listening to the news always.

❖ Don’t Disclose Who You Will Vote For at the Polls

During election period, people have different Candidates they pledge allegiance to. Some of them go as far as picking up a fight with those who aren’t in the same camp with them. Therefore it would do you well not to disclose whom you plan to vote for.

❖ Once You Are Casting Your Vote Go Straight to Your Home

One of the ways to stay secure during elections is by returning home after casting your vote. Staying back or loitering with other supporters after casting your vote may be detrimental.

❖ Don’t Move About With Huge Cash

If you have plans to move around with huge amount of cash during election, then you want to consider having a re-think, as this is no time to do such. Miscreants take advantage of the period to rob people off their valuables.

❖ When Driving, Ensure That Your Car Central Lock is activated-:

Do not drive without making sure that your car central lock is activated. This is so that you know that you are safe inside, rather than unsafe.

❖ Do Not Talk Recklessly At the Polls

To be safe; it is forbidden that you do not talk recklessly at the polling unit about any candidate or the election process. Doing this may attract some grave consequences.

WE STAND FOR PEACE

Takyi Linda

https://www.shutterstock.com/search/election+violence

Ghana has a very good history and record when it comes to peaceful elections and democracy. It has been 28 years now ever since the first democratic elections were held in November 1992. The 2020 elections will be the country`s 8^th time of voting to elect a president to see to the affairs of the country and so far , we have not recorded any incident like war and riots as compared to other African countries. .

 We have had peaceful handing over ceremonies, and candidates calling to congratulate each other. European Union, Canada, United Kingdom and the United States sent congratulatory messages after the 2016 elections

      Ghana has become a role model to most African countries who practice democracy. Many African countries like Somalia, Cote D`ivore, Togo and other look up to us for the peace we have been able to maintain over the years.

      It is our responsibility as a people especially the youth to ensure peaceful elections in the upcoming 2020 general elections. Peace is the only thing that can ensure the future and destiny of this nation. Peace unites and binds us together .The likes of Somalia, Burundi, Liberia have been destroyed, lives and properties have been lost because of disruptive violent elections.

           Let us value the peace we have,  think of  generations to come and make sure that 2020 elections would be peaceful no matter what. Past presidents like Jerry John Rawlings, John Agyekum Kufour, John Atta Mills and ex president Mahama have all set good examples for us to follow. Candidates should preach peach and unity when they mount political platforms.

  The love for we have for Ghana should not only be priority but our greatest and concern priority as we go into the polls again coming December 2020 in what will be a true test of our democracy. Let Peace Reign!!!

Story By: BERNICE KUMAH

Source: http://www.google.com

PhotoCredit: http://www.google.com , http://www.nanaakufoaddo.org

In Ghana, women constitute about 49.33% of the total population (Ghana Statistical Service, 2018). In spite of the large proportion, women are not well represented when it comes to the issue of governance and that is because of the assumption that a woman’s place is in the kitchen or household chores.
The National Council on Women and Development (NCWD) observed in a survey conducted in Ghana that women are excluded and ignored in making decisions in politics.

However times have changed, women have the ability to participate and be represented in decision-making, having access and control over matters in politics as well as legislative affairs.These have been made possible through the promotion of Gender Equality and women’s empowerment which was the third goal set out in the world and also one of the goals that has influenced Ghana.

What do you know about women in higher positions?

An example of a woman in charge is Mrs. Jean Adukwei Mensa.

In July 2018,the President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo nominated 4 Electoral Commission top officials Where the current Electoral Commissioner, Jean Adukwei Mensa along with her two new deputies, Samuel Tettey and Eric Bossman as well as another new member Adwoa Asuama Abrefa were all sworn in by President Akufo-Addo on 1 August 2018.

Mrs. Jean Adukwei Mensa is currently the Executive Director of the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) and Co-ordinator of the Ghana Political Parties Programme.

She is a lawyer by profession. She is known for many achievements most of which are in her line of work as a lawyer. Apart from being the head of the election board in Ghana, she also heads the political parties of Ghana as coordinator.

Mrs.Jean Mensah’s attribute towards a peaceful election.

As a woman, Mrs.Jean Mensa has an influence on the youth not only because of her gender but also because of her tilte and experience as a mother. As a woman and a mother, she naturally holds a significant role in peace building which will help her advocate peace amongst the youth in Ghana.

The increase in positive attitudes to Ghanaian citizens can be attributed by Mrs.Jean Mensa ‘s idea to improve the voter register’s credibility and to implement continuous registration processes to make it easier to vote.

According to a research done by University Of Ghana,64.9 percent of Ghanaians are in support of the Electoral Commission to come out with a new voters’ register and most respondents believe a new register will ensure credibility of the election results.

However the EC alone cannot ensure that the electoral process is free, fair and transparent. The youth also have a role to play and in doing so; we will achieve national peace and stability when the younger ones understand the importance of peacekeeping as well as respect the views of one another.

“Peace cannot be kept by force;it can only be achieved by understanding.”

-Albert Einstein

The youth are viewed as vulnerable, powerless and in need of protection. On the other, they are feared as dangerous, violent, apathetic and as threats to security.

Youths are subjected to stereotypical images of being angry, drugged and violent and as threat.They must therefore make decisions to ensure that their actions would promote a safe and peaceful election this year.

Written by Nadia Moujalled

Source: https://africacenter.org/

https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/akufo-addo-names-jean-mensa-as-new-ec.html

https://yen.com.gh/

Photo credit: https://www.central.edu.gh/

https://www.google.com/

Politics and democracy in Ghana has come of age but i am not sure it has ever experienced what it about to in the 2020 general elections. For the first time in our country`s history a man of God (pastor) is contesting for the seat of president. It has become obvious that in recent years, pastors have become increasingly vocal and their political affiliations no more a secret.

          Politics by its nature is a really messy area that often can grow into a lot of hatred that, most religious leaders probably would be happy to avoid and to remain not interested or involved in politics but this is totally different in Ghana. Where it is common to hear men of God prophesying mostly in favor of one political party or another.

     Not long ago, a popular pastor in Ghana and founder of Life Assembly Worship Center, Rev. Christian Kwabena Andrews, aka (Osofo Kyiri Abosom) outdoored his own political party Ghana Union Movement.

   The man of God feels it is about time for him to contribute to the nation-building or democratic shaping of our country’s development especially the well being of the citizens of Ghana and peaceful co-existence with the whole world.

     Another shocking revelation is that the man of God selected another man of God, the founder of International God’s Way International Church, Bishop Daniel Obinim as his running mate for Ghana Union Movement (GUM) party ahead of election 2020. This is the first time two pastors are going to vie for the presidency as flagbearer and running mate respectively.

The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana presented the final certificate of registration to the Ghana Union Movement (GUM) and the Power Union Party (PUP), both new political parties seeking to contest in the 2020 presidential and parliamentary polls.

The two received the certificates on Thursday, 21 November 2019, following the successful completion of the processes required to acquire the authorisation.

The Chairperson of the EC, Mrs Jean Mensa, who handed over the certificate to the leadership of GUM .

The move seals their participation in the upcoming 2020 elections as they join Ghana’s electoral train for a showdown next year. 2020 elections indeed will be one of a kind.

Story by: Amanda Doukpola

PhotoCredit: www.modernghana.com

Source: www.gossip.com  http://www.google.com

In Ghana, the youth make up more than 50% of the population and play a significant role in both local and national politics since the dawn of the Fourth Republic.

They play different roles to contribute to peaceful elections in Ghana. Political parties have youth organizers who are used to promote peace. They are role models and ambassadors of peace in every election.

The future of Ghana lies in the hands of its young people. Young people therefore have a major role to play in promoting peace, before, during and after the polls.

There is no doubt that every political year, some political heads try to use them for violent activities and this year is no exception but it is up to them to prove that they have grown and matured now and are no longer interested. Young people must not fall for these tricks. The future of Ghana is bigger than individual ambitions.

Inhumane activities such as attacks on persons perceived to be political opponents during elections, snatching of ballot boxes, seizure of public toilets, assaulting high government officials particularly DCEs, burning of party offices etc must be avoided.

We have had controversial elections in the past, and we have always shown the world how much we understand democracy. . We may have our disagreements but eventually, the interest of Ghana should be our paramount and undiminished antecedence.

It is also important that the youth is reminded that they should strive to ensure for the sake of Ghana and her people that the elections are free, fair, transparent and peaceful. Decent behavior and proper and appropriate language is what is expected of all Ghanaians especially the youth.

As young people, we must remember we have a great future ahead of us. Succeeding generations will never forgive us if we allowed ourselves to be misled in plunging this country into chaos.

We are lucky to have Social media, which is a great tool that we can use to reach out to our people and call for peace throughout the country. Let us use our social media platforms to promote peace as we head into the 2020 elections Let us watch, learn and follow the examples of other. African countries like South Africa and Nigeria, where young people used social media to promote peace and non-violence. Let There Be Peace In 2020.

Written by: Deborah Okulolo

Photo Credit: http://ghanapoliticsonline.com/

Source: www.google.com  http://www.myjoyonline.com

Nana Addo and Mahama are household names when it comes to politics in Ghana. They are both very deep-rooted politicians who have occupied the presidential seat before . They have both set good leadership examples by conceding defeat and calling to congratulate each other.

They both have quite different styles and come from different educational backgrounds. Nana Addo, an experienced barrister thinks fast on his feet and is seriously interested in policy complexity.

By contrast, Mahama, whose most high-profile job outside politics was as an information officer at the Japanese embassy, is more interested in big-picture arguments or conversations with votes.

It will be the third time they have raced for the top job together. In 2012, Mahama won round one of the elections but was vice president to the late Professor Evans Atta Mills.

He then succeeded his deceased predecessor in 2012, defeated Nana Addo in the presidential election later that year. They both contested for the first time, after a dragged-out appeal launched by Nana Addo’s legal team. Nana Addo conceded defeat and called Mahama to congratulate him.

In 2016, the two met again, and this time round, Nana Addo beat Mahama who was the sitting president. Mahama accepted defeat immediately, called Nana Addo to congratulate him, maintaining the west African country’s record of fiercely contested but peaceful elections.

The 2020 race is likely to be closer and tighter than the last one. It will be last time they will both stand a chance of contesting. Ghanaians have shown their interest in both candidates this year for their records of maintaining peace, but it is only the outcome of the 2020 elections that will determine.

The youth of Ghanaian have a lot to learn from these two political giants who both understand that peace is the only language the world understands. Let There Be Peace In 2020

StoryBy : OBED MENSAH

Sources : http://www.theafricareport.com , http://www.myjoyonline.com

PhotoCredit : https://www.graphic.com.gh , http://www.google.com