Programme Officer of the Ghana National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons, Carl Sowah, has called on Ghanaians to participate in the upcoming December elections without resorting to guns or violence.
In an interview on October 31, 2024, Mr. Sowah stressed that Ghana is the only African country with a strong democratic record. He underscored the importance of preserving this reputation by ensuring a peaceful election this year.
“If you look at Africa now, Ghana is at the forefront of democratic governance. There will be many issues throughout the electoral period, but Ghana has managed to keep the flag flying. The whole world is watching us, and this is the time to prove that we are a democratic and peace-loving people,” he stated.
He added, “It is the ballot that matters; you speak with your thumb, not with a bullet. There is no need to carry a weapon to the polling stations.”
The programme officer emphasised the importance of maintaining calm, stating, “We must vote—vote wisely and peacefully, devoid of gun violence.”
As part of efforts to ensure a peaceful election this year, the Commission has launched the “Silencing the Gun to Save Lives” campaign.
The goal is to discourage the use of weapons in any context that could jeopardize lives and undermine Ghana’s democratic values.
By promoting a culture of peace and non-violence, the commission aims to ensure that Ghana’s electoral process remains fair and free from intimidation.