A group of about 100 school children from schools under the Ghana National Council of Private Schools (GNACOPS) has urged all parties involved in the upcoming general elections to prioritize the nation’s welfare and collaborate to ensure peaceful voting.
The children emphasized that they, as a vulnerable group, would be most impacted by any unrest, making it crucial to safeguard Ghana’s peace throughout the election period.
Accompanied by GNACOPS executives and teachers, the students conveyed this message during a courtesy visit to Jean Mensa, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, at the EC’s Corporate Office in Accra on Wednesday.
At the meeting, the children reinforced their plea for peace with nationalistic songs, poems, and presentations, encouraging political leaders, the Electoral Commission, and voters alike to “choose peace and grow Ghana.”
They also displayed placards, some of which read: “Our future is bright with peace,” “We have Ghana, let’s keep it peaceful,” “For our future, choose peace,” “Peace today, great Ghana tomorrow,” and “Choose peace, grow Ghana.”
National Executive Director of GNACOPS, Nana Kwesi Gyetuah, noted that while the pupils are not eligible to vote, they would be among those most impacted if peace is disrupted.
He emphasized that all stakeholders should prioritize the future of Ghanaian children and work to maintain peace throughout the electoral process.
“The students of Ghana look to you as role models of integrity and impartiality, inspiring them to become responsible, engaged citizens in the future,” Nana Gyetuah said.
At the meeting, Mrs. Mensa signed the Peace Ghana Initiative Pledge and reassured the students that the Commission is committed to conducting credible, free, fair, and peaceful elections.
She said children “are the foundations of this nation” and added that “we should stand as one people and work for peace.”
“It is a privilege to find innocent children around this table. The peace song they sang must reign throughout the elections, and their voices must echo everywhere,” Mrs. Mensa said.
On December 7, 2024, eligible Ghanaian voters will head to the polls to elect a president and 276 Members of Parliament.
According to summaries of the Certified Voters’ Register released by the Commission, a total of 18,640,811 voters are listed on the register.