Peace Pact Will Be Ineffective Without Action, Says Mahama

Former President John Dramani Mahama has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the peace pact signed by political parties ahead of Ghana’s 2024 elections, emphasizing that words alone are not enough to ensure peace. Speaking during the signing of the 4th Presidential Election Peace Pact in Accra, Mahama warned that insincerity and mistrust could undermine the peace-building process if not backed by concrete actions.

“It is commendable for us to commit to peace and express noble intentions. However, these efforts will be meaningless if there is mistrust, gaslighting, or a failure by those in authority to align their actions with their words,” he stated.

Mahama highlighted past events, such as issues during the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election and the 2020 general elections, as reasons for skepticism. These incidents, he noted, cast doubt on the sincerity of some stakeholders in fulfilling their commitments to peace.

He further stressed the importance of translating the promises made during the peace pact signing into actionable steps to foster trust and ensure a peaceful electoral process. “The signing of this pact, though well-intentioned, could amount to nothing if stakeholders and the government fail to take concrete steps to uphold peace,” he added.

The peace pact is part of efforts to ensure a stable and transparent electoral process in Ghana. However, Mahama’s remarks serve as a reminder that achieving peace requires more than verbal agreements—it demands accountability and tangible measures.