By Hafsa Obeng
Accra, Dec. 4, GNA – The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has urged the government, political parties, the Electoral Commission, and stakeholders to work together to ensure free, fair, and peaceful elections on December 7, 2024.
It said that with the stakes high, all political actors must work together to reduce tensions ahead of the December 7, 2024, elections.
In a statement issued to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on Tuesday in Accra, the TUC expressed concern over the growing mistrust, particularly between the Electoral Commission (EC) and some political parties.
“We acknowledge the enormity of the task ahead for the Commission and we appreciate the effort it has made so far.
“We call on the Commission to remain resolute and faithful to its constitutional mandate. The EC must guard its independence and neutrality and always remember that it is accountable to the people of Ghana, in whose name it exercises its mandate,” the statement said.
The TUC urged the EC to work towards rebuilding confidence in its operations.
They must work with all political parties through the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) to ensure transparency and impartiality.
“A compromised electoral process, or one which is perceived as such, is a recipe for general chaos. We must avoid this at all costs.”
The TUC called on the government to fulfill its responsibility by providing the EC with all necessary resources to ensure free and fair elections.
It also urged political parties to demonstrate exceptional maturity and fairness in their statements and actions.
“Our parties must not only demand fairness from the EC or others; they must exhibit it as well. We expect them and their presidential candidates to concentrate on the main issues affecting us and not issues that divide us and undermine national unity and cohesion.
“We appeal to the parties and their candidates to refrain from rhetoric and intemperate language that do not improve the livelihoods of Ghanaians,” it said.
The statement also urged the media to exercise caution and responsibility in their reporting during the period
“The messages about elections blurring from the microphones of some of the radio and TV stations are scary. They must contribute to reduce tension, uphold social and political stability, and promote economic development.
“The security agencies must also be firm while maintaining their neutrality and fidelity to the Constitution of Ghana. They must deal decisively and evenhandedly with people and groups who seek to cause trouble and mischief within the remit of law,” it said.
The statement called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to guide Ghana through the 2024 elections peacefully, adding that he should fulfil his responsibility as his predecessors had done to ensure a smooth and orderly transition.
“Overseeing peaceful elections in which Ghana wins will be a far greater and juicier win for you regardless of the outcome. This is particularly so given your long years of championing democracy and human rights in Ghana,” it said.
The TUC also urged workers and their families to actively participate in the electoral process on December 7, while resisting any attempts by political parties to incite violence.
It reminded them that political involvement should not come at the cost of peace, noting that job security, pay, and working conditions would not improve through political violence.
The TUC reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring peaceful elections, stating it would monitor the process and hold accountable any individuals or groups attempting to undermine the will of the people or disrupt national peace.
GNA