Traditional ruler and Judge Mama Bobi III has made a passionate appeal to preserve Ghana’s peace and democratic dispensation as the nation inched closer to the December general elections.
Various stakeholders are in the heat of preparations for the upcoming event, and the traditional ruler, at a peace concert organised by the St. Anne’s Youth Choir of the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Ho, made a clarion to all actors.
Mama Bobi, who is the Afetornyornufia of Ho Bankoe, delivered a speech on electoral violence within Ghana’s democratic dispensation, saying the hard-earned democratic reputation was always sent to the edge during general elections.
She said it was of utmost importance for the various players to consider the times and ensure the nation emerged unscathed from the coming event.
“As a country, we can attest that Ghana has really invested into our process but there has never been a time that some iota of violence has not occurred – from a grievance to expression of exclusion and from killings to petitions, etc.
This, to my perspective, implies that the causes of electoral violence are complex and multidimensional,” the traditional ruler stated.
Mama Bobi spent time to speak on the root causes of political violence, stating deficiency in state structures, lack of trust in the electoral system, political party vigilantism, and media responsibility, and said Ghana’s rich diversity should promote peaceful coexistence even through the most trying times.
She appealed to political parties and political leaders as key stakeholders, to stay true to the tenets of free and fair elections, prioritising the general wellbeing of the populace over personal gains.
“To you political parties, please you should continually and publicly reaffirm your commitment to a fair process.
Our elections should not be a matter of life or death but be a matter of Ghana.
Ghana first, and fair process can win us Ghana.
“Here, I will passionately encourage political parties and regimes to cease focusing on personalities and focus on Ghana and the ordinary citizens. As a Judge and, of course, a Queen Mother, I want to remind the political parties and you to think of ways to make the ordinary person in Ghana and in Ho better – they need the basic existential food, shelter, education, hospitals, etc.
“We are suffocated as a people. No growth. No space to think and grow. Start thinking of us as human beings, not a vote. We should be your goals not the means to your goals.
“To you political leaders, please make sure to educate your supporters to prevent them from causing conflict. While we ask the electoral commission to be transparent about the full process, educate your supporters. There are rules. Let your people know.”
Mama Bobi extended the call to religious leaders, reminding them of their role in maintaining the atmosphere of peace and coexistence, while political party supporters were discouraged against vigilantism and violence.
Media also received their due of admonishment as she said, “Media responsibility for the success of electoral process can hardly be undervalued.
“Let us be guided by common sense, integrity, and truth with what we say, write, listen, and read.
My media men and women, whenever you share an information, whenever you make a statement of fact, kindly be guided by your professionalism.
“You are the guardians of truth for the people of Ghana, do not allow yourself to be manipulated by any other interests.
Your words can cause a civil war,”
Mama Bobi reiterated the need for collaboration among all actors; security agencies, Judiciary, the election body, and traditional rulers, and said with a neutral approach to duty, Ghana should experience a very peaceful event.
The event, dubbed the 2024 Election Peace Concert, was held on the theme “Uniting Ghana for Peace Through Music,” and had numerous stakeholders in the region in attendance, including local government leaders, traditional rulers, and political party aspirants.
