UE/R: NABODICA’s 2024 Election Peace Concert

By: Gideon Adu & Millicent L. Dahamani

Ahead of Ghana’s 2024 December  Elections, a peace concert was held at GNAT Hall in Bolgatanga organized by the Navrongo-Bolgatanga Diocesan Choirs Association (NABODICA) in partnership with the Upper East Regional Peace Council. The concert, themed “Strengthening Ghana’s Democracy: A Collaborative Effort for a Peaceful Election 2024 and Beyond” brought together some stake holders such as  the Electoral Commission, NCCE, Traditional leaders and some key personalities.

In his welcome address, the NABODICA chairman Mr. James Saaka thanked all of the dignitaries and choirs for attending and helping to make the event a success. “Every vote is a voice, and every voice deserves respect,” he said, urging Ghanaians to choose communication over conflict. Violence and intimidation have no place in our electoral processes, even though dissent is normal in democracies.

The event featured speeches emphasizing peace, tolerance, and national unity as essential for a fair and violence-free elections. The event was chaired by  Alhaji  Sumaila Issaka, the chairman for the Upper East Regional Peace Council. In his opening remark, he urged that by using dialogue peace will always prevail and that every voice must be respected. He added that disagreement is a natural part of our democracy and that violence and intimidation has no place in our electoral process or in any democratic dispensation.

Mr. James Abdulai, the NCCE’s regional director, stated that as the 2024 general election draws near, we should be reminded that, although it is a constitutional obligation, it is crucial to behave ourselves responsibly during the election season and to encourage everyone to choose unity over conflict. As we journey on  to the polls, he emphasizes once more the value of peaceful participation and respect for democratic processes, calling on everyone to uphold the unity that unites us all.

The Regional Director of the Electoral Commission was represented by Mr. Adeenze Agaabil Henry, the Bongo District Electoral Officer. He said in his message that the official organization in Ghana in charge of holding all public elections is the Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC). According to Article 46 of the 1992 constitution, “the Electoral Commission shall not be subject to the control or direction of any authority in the performance of its functions,” unless specifically authorized by the constitution or by any other law that is not in conflict with it. He went on to say that maintaining peace is essential for our nation and that the commission will do its best to ensure a free, fair, and violence-free election. He once more calls on all stakeholders involved, including political parties, to support the commission in upholding and advancing peace while they fulfill their duties.

One of the invited guests was Professor David Millar. He urges Ghanaians to act as statesmen rather than politicians in his message.  According to him, a statesman ought to be wise, just, and moral. In addition, he must be dignified, temperate, generous, and magnanimous. A statesman will not compromise their essential ideas in order to further their political career. He went on to say that as Catholics, we must act like Christians by bearing our varied crosses since Christ established a good model for us to follow in order to advance and spread peace as we approach the December elections.

Mr. Samuel Agyegelone, the vice chairman of the Navrongo Bolgatanga Diocesan Laity Council, also praised NABODICA’s leadership for planning the peace concert. He emphasized that the media is a vital component of democracy and that without it, a democratic election cannot take place. In order for voters to make informed decisions, a free and fair election requires not only the ability to vote and the understanding of how to do so, but also a participatory process in which they participate in public discourse and possess sufficient knowledge about candidates, parties, policies, and the election process itself.  He added that the media protects the process’s transparency by serving as an essential watchdog over democratic elections. In fact, it would be contradictory to have a democratic election with either no media freedom or restricted media freedom. The media must continue to cover stories with a high degree of objectivity, accuracy, and professionalism in order to carry out their duties. “We Ghanaians should also allow the laws and the rules governing the elections to work,” he continued, adding that regulatory frameworks can help assure good standards.

As the guest speaker, the Bishop was represented by Rev. Fr. Lawerence Azure, Vicar General. He emphasized how important it is for voters, political figures, and the media to keep the peace and unity throughout the election season.  He also talked on the importance of using social media responsibly, warning against violent and misleading content. “Misinformation has the power to destabilize communities and the country as a whole during elections. We should love our nation and ourselves more than we love our political parties. “True victory is about maintaining peace so that the country can prosper, not about winning at all costs,” he said. He urged all eligible voters to peacefully use their right to vote, imploring the people of Bawku to once more “silence the violence” and stressing the importance of peace and tolerance for the advancement of the country.

Participating choirs moved the audience with patriotic tunes of harmony and peace written by songwriters both inside and outside the diocese, including Bernard Kwabena Boadi and Mr. Samson Adombire.  Among the choirs are the Folks and Classical Bolgatanga Deanery Choir, the Classical Bawku Deanery Choir, and the Wiaga Classical  and Folks Deanery Choir.

Supported by media partner GBC URA Radio 89.7 MHz, the Peace Concert concluded with a plea for all Ghanaians to prioritize peace over political rivalry, reminding the populace that without a foundation of peace, sustainable progress is impossible.