Ameyibor Advocates for Peaceful Elections in Ghana, Urges Ballot Over Bullet.

Accra: Four days before Ghana's December 7 general election, Mr. Francis Ameyibor, National Treasurer of the West Africa Action Network on Small Arms (WAANSA-Ghana), has strongly urged Ghanaians to prioritize voting over violence. "We must choose ballots, and we must choose peace," he stated, emphasizing that violence only fosters conditions for the use of bullets and undermines the nation's democratic progress.According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Ameyibor, who also serves as the General Secretary of the West Africa Network of Journalists for Security and Development, made these remarks at the "Ballots not Bullets Non-Violent Election Dialogue" in Accra. The event, organized by the Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA), aims to highlight the dangers of electoral gun violence in Ghana and develop strategies to minimize its occurrence in the upcoming elections.Mr. Ameyibor praised FOSDA for providing a platform for stakeholders to discuss the importance of choosing ballots over bullets. H e called on Ghanaians to collaborate in fostering a culture of non-violence, tolerance, and respect for human rights. "As stakeholders, we have a shared responsibility to promote peaceful elections," he asserted.He further encouraged the populace to engage in constructive dialogue, build trust, and foster a sense of community. "We must empower our citizens with accurate information, encourage critical thinking, and support independent media," he noted, expressing concern over misinformation and disinformation affecting the credibility of journalists.Addressing security personnel, Mr. Ameyibor urged them to prioritize citizen safety and ensure a peaceful environment for free, fair, and transparent elections. He also called on the Electoral Commission to uphold the integrity and transparency of the electoral process, ensuring that the people's will is accurately reflected.Political leaders were reminded to focus on the welfare of the nation, committing to peaceful campaigns and adherence to the rule of la w. To the citizens, Mr. Ameyibor encouraged them to exercise their right to vote and engage in the democratic process peacefully.He advised resolving grievances through lawful channels, warning that "the bullet, once fired, is not discriminatory and does not respect one's status or profession."Mrs. Theodora Williams Anti, Executive Director of FOSDA, noted that the dialogue is part of FOSDA's "Ballots not Bullets: Citizen Action for Peaceful Election Project," funded by ECOWAS. The initiative aims to ensure peaceful elections by reducing electoral gun violence, especially among youths in high-risk constituencies in Accra and Kumasi.