A Feature article by Yvonne Elikplim Harlley

 
The news that Ghana has been ranked the most peaceful country in Africa and the 40th in the world is  welcomed by all well meaning Ghanaians especially as the country is about to make another stride in its democratic progress to elect new leaders within a few  weeks.

 
The news is very timely and perhaps an encouragement from God in the wake of the fear that has gripped many concerning how peaceful the election would be.

The ranking by the Global Peace Index has also been described in some quarters as an answered prayer for stewards of peace especially religious leaders, some who have been fasting and praying fervently for peace to prevail before, during and after the elections.

This conceivably, is because the stakes are high in this year’s elections, with the country having found oil and the newly constructed Presidential Palace among other fortunes, all the presidential aspirants and their followers are doing all within their might to win the elections.

Truly, elections and election periods in Africa are not easy or good moments because the livelihood of some of the politicians is dependent greatly on election results and they are therefore prepared to go through fair or foul means to gain power with many resorting to violence and intimidation.

For sometime now, there have been a few intra and inter-party conflicts across the country which experts describe as not harmful but make the game of politics interesting.

The credit of Ghana’s achievement goes to the good people of the land of our fathers and political parties in opposition who continue to exhibit a high sense of tolerance and peaceful coexistence all these years.

 
Obviously, the greatest commendation would go to the Government of His Excellency President J.A. Kufuor for a peaceful administration and the sustenance of peace for the past eight years. Many would now come to accept why President Kufuor has been described across the globe as blessed and lucky whose tenure of office has brought good things to the country including a high reputation. Surely, the President would retire a peaceful and happy man for having served the country to the best of his ability.

In spite of all these, we must not rest on our oars.

This ranking is a great challenge to the country to test its democratic principles and we must not disappoint our forefathers who had prophesied that this nation would lead Africa.

We must maintain our peaceful co-existence as one people with a common purpose and destiny through tolerance. All stakeholders in this year’s elections must be stewards and ambassadors of peace. Leaders of the various political parties in particular, should be ready and willing to compromise on some issues to ensure peace, knowing that the whole world is watching.

We pray that this ranking would go a long way to influence our actions in the forthcoming elections for the country’s accelerated growth.

 
The writer works with the

 Ho-Volta Region

     

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