As part of efforts to ensure peace before and after the December 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary elections, the Northern Regional capital, Tamale, hosted the second Speaker’s Seminar Lecture.
The lecture, that was attended by the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin discussed important national issues, including the role of stakeholders in ensuring free, fair, credible and peaceful elections.
The theme of the lecture, “Working Together, Building Trust for a Free, Fair, Credible, and Peaceful Election 2024: The Role of Stakeholders,” emphasised the significance of cooperation and mutual trust in maintaining democratic values among political parties, citizens, the media, security services, and civil society organisations.
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, underscored the significance of the lecture series, noting that it aims to alert the nation to the dangers it faces and to mobilise collective efforts to safeguard the country’s democratic values.
He called on leaders to lead with integrity, the media to report with fairness and citizens to vote peacefully in the 2024 elections.
The Northern Regional Minister, Mr Shani Alhassan Shaibu, urged Ghanaians to prioritise the collective good over individual or political interests, emphasising the need to protect the peace and security of the nation.
“The peace and security of Ghana must be protected at all costs to give full meaning to our national anthem,” he stated, calling for rigorous sensitisation and education to promote peace and discourage violence.
He assured that the Northern Region remains peaceful and highlighted the collaborative efforts of the Northern Regional Security Council, the Regional Peace Council and traditional and religious leaders in maintaining and consolidating peace ahead of the elections.
The event was attended by chiefs, Members of Parliament, civil society organisations, security agencies, political parties and students.
Salifu Abdulai Yakubu & Faustina Naa Ayele Johnson, ISD
