Accra, Dec. 12, GNA – The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has urged citizens to stay calm and respect the rule of law as the nation transitions to a new political administration.
It urged the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies to intensify efforts at restoring calm, and punishing persons responsible for acts of lawlessness, following the December 7 General Election.
The CSOs, in a release copied to Ghana News Agency, expressed concern over pockets of post-election misconducts, calling on the public to “act in the spirit of peace and unity.”
The statement follows a meeting with the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the National Election Security Task Force to discuss vandalism, and other incidents that have occurred amid the declaration of election results.
The Coalition noted that such actions “create a tense atmosphere, which threaten the peace and stability that are foundational to Ghana’s democracy”, and should not be tolerated.
The incidents include the disruption of collation centres, the destruction of public and private properties and looting of state property.
“At this critical time of a transition, we call on all Ghanaians to remain calm, responsible, and respectful of the rule of law.
“The peaceful transfer of power is a cornerstone of Ghana’s democracy and must be safeguarded by all of us.
“We call on every Ghanaian to act in the spirit of peace and unity. Ghana’s strength lies in our commitment to peace, the rule of law, and the peaceful transfer of power,” it said.
The Coalition comprises the Forum Initiative (CFI), The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO), Office of the National Chief Imam, STAR Ghana Foundation, Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), and Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG).
It said efforts of the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Armed Forces in ensuring law and order, were commendable.
However, the security services should “remain impartial, uphold the law, and continue to protect the safety and security of all Ghanaians.”
The Coalition praised the intervention from President-elect, John Dramani Mahama, and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, which emphasised an end to all acts of vandalism and violence.
“As civil society, we will remain committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that Ghana’s democracy remains a beacon of stability and progress in the region.
“While the 7th December 2024 election was largely peaceful, the Coalition condemns these acts of lawlessness and join others to call for an immediate halt to such activities to prevent any damage to the integrity of the 2024 election process and Ghana’s democracy, ” it said.
GNA