Election 2024: Groupstand for Peace, Growth and Development advocates transparency

Groupstand for Peace, Growth and Development, a pressure group has called for transparency in the December 2024 polls.Mr Happy Agbenyenu, the Executive Director of Groupstand for Peace, Growth and Development, in a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency said the transparency of the electoral process in the upcoming 7th December polls in Ghana would play a crucial role in preventing potential violence from disgruntled party members and their supporters.'In light of the recent statement by the Electoral Commissioner, Madam Jean Mensa, urging political parties to accept the results of the upcoming polls in good faith, we wish to express our concerns and recommendations,' it said.The Group urged the Electoral Commission (EC) to act as an independent referee during the December 7 election, with specific reference to the numerous questions raised about the impartiality of the Commission.The statement also touched on former President John Dramani Mahama's recent concerns about the perceived biases in the EC's appointments during his interview at the esteemed London School of Economics and Political Science where the Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) specifically cited alleged favoritism of the EC towards the ruling party.The statement also touched on the lingering question of whether the accusations against the EC are grounded in truth.The Group said while it acknowledged the innovations aimed at ensuring credible elections, 'the true litmus test was in the verdict of the Ghanaian electorate. Have they truly experienced elections characterized by transparency, fairness, and freedom'The statement said the Group believed the issues if not mitigated before the elections could dampen the democratic gains chalked by the country's democratic dispensation.It said the Group was therefore, asking the EC on the additional measures implemented to guarantee the independence and impartiality of the EC while urging the EC to embark on a comprehensive educational campaign across Ghana.'The popul ace must be actively engaged and informed about' the statement said.Source: Ghana News Agency