The National Peace Council (NPC) has expressed deep concern regarding the ongoing standoff between the Executive and the Legislature in Ghana. The NPC emphasized that such tension is detrimental to the peace and stability of the country, particularly as the nation approaches a general election.
The conflict between the two branches of government arose from the President's refusal to assent to the anti-LGBTQI+ bill recently passed by the Legislature, citing legal concerns. In response, the Legislature, particularly the Minority and the Speaker of Parliament, halted the approval of ministerial nominees by the President, citing a court injunction.
Reverend Dr. Ernest Adu-Gyamfi, Chairman of the NPC, addressed the issue during a dialogue with the Council of Elders and flagbearers of Political Parties in Accra. He expressed concern about the tension between the Legislature and the Executive, as well as the entrenched positions of parties in Parliament and the contentious discourse in the media.
Dr. Adu-Gyamfi highlighted the NPC's efforts to reduce tension and maintain peace in the country, including engagements with various stakeholders. However, he noted that the current impasse between the two branches of government is particularly troubling for the Council.
The dialogue aimed to make political parties aware of the NPC's activities in the political space and to remind stakeholders, especially political parties, of the importance of managing differences ahead of the upcoming General Election. It was funded by the British High Commission through the STAR Ghana foundation.
Representatives from several political parties, including the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and others, attended the event. Former Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Mike Aaron Oquaye, was also present.
Rev. Adu-Gyamfi urged political parties to exercise restraint in their rhetoric and to prioritize consensus-building to address any disagreements. He emphasized the NPC's commitment to ensuring incident-free elections and urged all parties to sign the Peace Pact and support efforts to maintain peace during the electoral process.
Additionally, the NPC disclosed plans to establish an election monitoring group to monitor the political landscape and ensure peaceful polls in December. The NPC also advised the media to avoid sensationalism and contribute to maintaining peace before, during, and after the elections.
