Election 2020: Coalition of CSOs in governance, security calls for peace

The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in governance and security in the Upper West region has urged Ghanaians to embrace peace and eschew any form of acts that could jeopardise the country’s peace and security come December 7 polls.

Addressing a press conference at the ProNet North Upper West Regional Office on Wednesday December 2, 2020, the Head of Programmes for ProNet North Catherine Amissah on behalf of the CSOs appealed to citizens of Ghana especially, the youth to conduct themselves very well before, during and after the 2020 elections in order not to plunge the country into pieces stressing that Ghana is the only country we have.

“The Coalition of CSOs in governance and security consisting of Civil Society Organisations across the country who have an interest in governance and security issues are seeking to play a leading role in mobilising eligible citizens to participate peacefully before, during and after this year’s elections. The stated goal is to ensure peaceful, fair and credible elections for our nation. Overall, our intended objective is to conduct voter education against electoral violence and to monitor and observe the conduct of electioneering process and the elections come December 7” she stated.

She bemoaned the mayhem electoral violence caused other nations in the world and called on the media to assist in educating the public against election related violence.

The Head of Programmes further charged the media to stick to their ethics and professionalism by insuring that vulgar languages and bastardization of political opponents are not spewed on the air waves.

“We are optimistic that the education will help reduce fear and panic during voting. To a large extend, this voter education will help citizens reject propaganda on radio and media stations and even reduce insults, vile messages, ethnic incitement, use of hurtful language. We are counting on the media to continue to control foul language on their platforms and sensitise citizens to remain peaceful. It is understandable the media space is filled with campaign activities, but please don’t relax on your principles to control and reject outraces that will cause violence” she added.

Ghana is left with five days for citizens to go to the polls and deicide who leads the country for the next 4 years. The first batch of the voting process took place yesterday December 1, 2020 as special voters took the lead by casting their votes peacefully.