A lecturer at the University of Ghana Dr. Haruna Zagoon Sayeed has stressed the importance of fairness in the election process.
He has therefore urged the Electoral Commission, Ghana Police Service, and all stakeholders to discharge their duties with fairness and impartiality.
According to Dr. Sayeed fairness was crucial to maintaining peace and stability during the election period.
“While we preach peace, we must also ensure that the election process is fair and transparent,” he said. “This is the only way to build trust and confidence in our democratic system.”
UG Lecturer made the comments at a peace advocacy lecture held by the Light of Islam Youth Organization.
Dr. Zagoon Sayeed also advised Muslim leaders to reject politicians who visit mosques to preach violence.
“Our places of worship should be sanctuaries of peace, not platforms for inciting violence,” Dr. Sayeed said. “Let us say no to those who seek to use our religion to divide us.”
The event, themed “Never Again,” aimed to sensitize the youth on the importance of maintaining peace and avoiding violence during the election period.
Speakers emphasized the devastating consequences of electoral violence, citing the 2020 elections where a thirty-year-old man lost his life and others were severely injured due to political clashes.
The Ablekuma Central Municipal Director of the National Commission of Civic Education, Comfort Azalletey urged the youth to become ambassadors of peace and promote non-violent conflict resolution.
“Dialogue is key to resolving differences,” she said. “Let us work together to build a peaceful and stable community.”
The youth were encouraged to focus on issues-based campaigning, rather than resorting to violence and intimidation.
Community leaders also pledged to support the initiative, ensuring that the message of peace and dialogue reaches all corners of the Zongo communities.
A devastating incident occurred during the 2020 presidential and parliamentary elections, which resulted in the death of a 30-year-old Ibrahim Abass.
Abass was allegedly shot by a national security officer identified by Ghana Police Service as Kola.
The shooting took place at the collation center in the Ablekuma Central Constituency, located at the Odorkor Police Church. Four others, including a police officer, were also shot in the incident.
Story by: Emmanuel Coffie
