In a stirring address at the 8th Harmattan School of the University for Development Studies in Tamale, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, issued a fervent call to the Electoral Commission of Ghana to uphold integrity, transparency, and trust in the upcoming 2024 elections.
Addressing a diverse audience as the guest of honor, the Speaker emphasized the paramount importance of prioritizing the will and safety of the voter, as well as ensuring the stability of the nation. He urged the Electoral Commission to meticulously oversee the electoral process, safeguarding the sanctity of democracy.
According to him while the Electoral Commission is constitutionally independent, this independence hinges on its effective performance of its duties. If the Commission fails to perform its functions or misperforms them, it undermines its independence.
Therefore, the Commission must heed the voices of the Ghanaian people and ensure its actions align with the collective good. Listening to the concerns and needs of the populace is essential for upholding democracy and promoting trust in the electoral process.
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Moreover, in a cautionary note directed at the media, the Speaker implored journalists to exercise circumspection in their reportage and refrain from prematurely declaring election results. He stressed the imperative for fairness, impartiality, and responsible journalism, particularly in coverage pertaining to political parties and their activities.
Highlighting the broader regional context, Speaker Bagbin stressed the critical need to safeguard Ghana’s democracy against the backdrop of escalating tensions and the looming threat of violent extremism within the sub-region. He emphasized that the integrity of the electoral process serves as a bulwark against the machinations of extremist elements seeking to exploit political instability.
The Speaker’s remarks were delivered under the theme “Accountable Governance, Violent Extremism, and the 2024 Elections,” reflecting the intersectionality of democratic governance, security imperatives, and electoral integrity.
As Ghana prepares for the forthcoming elections, the clarion call from Speaker Bagbin resonates as a timely reminder of the collective responsibility to uphold democratic principles, foster national cohesion, and safeguard the future of the nation.