By Iddi Yire
Accra, Dec 04, GNA – Four days to Ghana’s December 7 general election, Mr. Francis Ameyibor, National Treasurer, West Africa Action Network on Small Arms (WAANSA-Ghana) has urged Ghanaians to choose the ballot over the bullet.
“We must choose ballots, and we must choose peace. Violence creates conditions for the use of bullets, and as a nation with progressive democratic development, violence has no place in our electoral processes,” he said.
He added: “It will undermine the very foundation of our democracy, suffocate the voices of citizens, and perpetuate a cycle of fear and intimidation.”
Mr. Ameyibor, who is also the General Secretary of the West Africa Network of Journalists for Security and Development, made the appeal in his remarks in Accra at the “Ballots not Bullets Non-Violent Election Dialogue” organised by the Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA).
The event seeks to raise awareness of the impact of electoral gun violence in Ghana, especially among the youth, and strategize to minimize its occurrence in the upcoming general elections.
Mr. Ameyibor commended FOSDA for creating such a platform for participants and stakeholders to discuss ballots not bullets.
He urged Ghanaians to work together to avoid violence and embrace a culture of non-violence, tolerance, and respect for human rights.
“As stakeholders, we have a shared responsibility to promote peaceful elections,” Mr. Ameyibor declared.
He appealed to Ghanaians to engage in constructive dialogue, build trust, and foster a sense of community.
“We must empower our citizens with accurate information, encourage critical thinking, and support independent media,” he said.
Mr. Ameyibor, himself a media practitioner, noted that the issues of misinformation and disinformation were becoming major concerns that threaten the credibility and integrity of journalists.
He urged members of the security services to prioritise the safety and security of all citizens and to ensure that their actions promote a peaceful and conducive environment for free, fair and transparent elections.
He also urged the Electoral Commission to ensure the integrity and transparency of the electoral process.
“Your role is critical in ensuring that the will of the people is reflected in the outcome of the elections,” he said.
Mr. Ameyibor appealed to political leaders to prioritise the welfare of the nation and its people; saying, “Let us commit to peaceful campaigns, respectful rhetoric, and a dedication to the rule of law.”
“To our citizens, we encourage you to exercise your right to vote, to participate in the democratic process, and to demand accountability from your leaders through peaceful means.”
He advised Ghanaians to address any grievance through the approved channels and lawfully mandated bodies.
“Let us not forget that the bullet, once fired, is not discriminatory and does not respect one’s status or profession. The bullet does not fear or cannot be intimidated.”
Mrs. Theodora Williams Anti, Executive Director, FOSDA, in her welcome address noted that the dialogue was part of the FOSDA’s Ballots not Bullets: Citizen Action for Peaceful Election Project with funding support of ECOWAS under the protocol on Democracy and Good Governance to ensure peaceful conduct of the December 7 general elections.
She said it brought together young people from nine at risk constituencies with records of gun violence during elections in Accra and Kumasi as well as key electoral security stakeholders.
She noted that the intervention aims to promote non-violent elections by reducing the incidence of electoral gun violence involving the youth in the hotspots and vulnerable constituencies.
GNA