Chairman of the NDC Council of Elders in South Africa, Mr. Benjamin Quashie has counselled politicians not to incite or engage in violence as the nation nears its landmark elections in December.
Quoting the flagbearer of the NDC, John Mahama, Mr. Quashie said no Ghanaian’s blood should be shed on account of a political figure.
According to him, the flagbearer John Mahama is a man of peace who has always preached against violence and bloodshed thus, other politicians and parties must take a cue from the statesman especially in this electoral year.
“When you go to vote for a political party or when you go to put your hope and trust in a political party, it is because you believe in their ideology or manifesto or their form of leadership. In return, that political party when you vote them into office must ensure the wellbeing of the citizens who put them there therefore at the end of the day when you vote [there must be no] drop of blood.”
Mr. Quashie, who was speaking as a Special Guest of Honour at the 2024 International Peace Summit on Monday in South Africa, added that “I bring you a message of peace from John Mahama who believes that no politician is worth a single drop of blood.”
While condemning the electoral violence that marred the 2020 elections and advocating for peace and fair play in elections, the NDC chairman recounted the relevance of traditional leaders in promoting peace stating that “in Ghana, we revere our chiefs…respect for them is where the message of peace will begin.”
The Summit was organized by the International Ambassadors of Peace Network under the theme: “Promoting Peace, Security, Development Nexus, Before, During and after Election”.
Benjamin Quashie in his speech further acknowledged that there are several commonalities between Ghana and South Africa dating several years back, which behooves on each to look out and support each other not to fail.
He noted that if South Africa which was also going to the polls in a few days succeeds then Ghana also triumphs.
He concluded that “peace, stability [and] development should all work in tandem without a single drop of blood from the citizens” as the two states – Ghana and South Africa go to elect their new leaders.
Mr. Benjamin Quashie was also sworn in as an International Peace Ambassador and he is expected to collaborate with the international peace network South African Chapter to facilitate peace education and awareness among the people of South Africa, particularly focusing on promoting peace during and after the 2024 elections.