US gov’t commends Peace Accord ahead of polls

The US government has commended Presidential candidates for signing onto the peace pact towards a violent free election in the forthcoming polls scheduled for Wednesday, December 7, 2016.

A statement released by the US embassy in Ghana said: “We commend the presidential candidates and political parties of Ghana for coming together … to sign the Accra Declaration committing themselves to peaceful elections and the judicial resolution of election disputes. This demonstration of goodwill and shared commitment to peace further solidifies Ghana’s reputation as a thriving democracy.”

The statement added: “The US government remains committed to supporting Ghana’s electoral process. As Election Day approaches, we will continue to work with the Electoral Commission, National and Regional Peace Councils, NGOs, civil society organisations, the media and others to support Ghana’s efforts to hold credible and nonviolent elections. We encourage all parties to build on the positive tenor of today’s event. Likewise, we urge all Ghanaians to actively and peacefully participate in the democratic process—before, on and after Election Day.

“No matter which candidate emerges as the victor, we look forward to joining with Ghanaians next week to celebrate Ghana’s seventh consecutive peaceful, transparent and credible elections,” the US embassy said.

All seven Presidential candidates contending for the Presidency committed to peace before, during and after the 2016 polls.

The peace pact conducted under the auspices of the National Peace Council and the National House of Chiefs was also witnessed by the head of the Commonwealth Observer mission, Thabo Mbeki as well as Liberia’s President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.