The National Ballot Not Bullet (BnB) Dialogue: Ghana 2024 Non-Violence Election Campaign was held on Tuesday 3rd December 2024, at the Mensvic Grand Hotel under the theme Youth and Electoral Gun Violence: A worrying Concern. The Dialogue was organized by the Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA) with funding support from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) under the protocol on Democracy and Good Governance to ensure peaceful conduct of the December 7th general elections. It was attended by key stakeholders with expertise in small arms, disarmament, peace, and security, as well as youth leaders from across the country, including political party youth under the Ballot Not Bullet initiative. Youth representatives from at-risk constituencies, particularly hotspots and flashpoints including Greater Accra, Ashanti, Northern, Upper West, Volta, Eastern and Upper East Regions.
The dialogue opened and closed with a chairperson’s remarks calling for truth and justice in the electoral processes as a strategy to reduce any risk of violence.
The entire dialogue took the form of Keynote address (NACSA), partner statements (WAANSA, KAIPTC), presentations, panel and plenary discussions including a Youth co-created strategy (NNYOG) for promoting peaceful conduct of the December 7 general elections.
In the end a total of 19 recommendations were adopted for consideration by stakeholders. A video documentary and mobile App was also launched as part of the BnB-Citizens Action for Peaceful Elections (CAPE) to climax the event.
THE PRESENTATIONS TOPICS:
1.
Electoral Gun Violence in Ghana: the reality, the impact and solutions for 2024 general elections.
2.
Youth Empowerment and Community-Based Strategies to Prevent Gun Violence
PANEL DISCUSSION TOPIC:
1.
Gun Violence and Its Implications for Ghana’s 2024 Elections
LAUNCH OF INCIDENT MOBILE APP
The Ballot Not Bullet (BnB) mobile app was also launched to compliment the Youth Virtual Situation room to be managed by the Peace Ambassadors and Observers of the initiative.
KEY ISSUES
During the discussions, key issues emerged.
The dialogue revealed the vulnerability of youth to political manipulation due to limited opportunities, unemployment, and systemic challenges. Many young people are drawn to firearms as symbols of power, safety, and belonging, often under peer pressure or driven by deeper issues like insecurity and unemployment. This trend is also influenced by societal perceptions, such as associating masculinity with gun ownership.
Secondly, the proliferation of small arms emerged as a critical concern. Weak enforcement mechanisms and unsecured borders have made firearms more accessible, fueling violence in flashpoint areas.
Thirdly, gun violence poses a threat to Ghana’s democratic foundations. Fear and mistrust among voters undermine public confidence in the electoral process, casting a shadow on the country’s reputation for democratic stability.
Fourthly, the role of political parties was discussed. The practice of arming party members and supporters must stop immediately, as it remains a major driver of electoral violence.
And finally, the dialogue explored the role of youth as agents of change. With the right support and empowerment, young people have the potential to lead the way in promoting peace and non-violence. However, it is crucial that the state stops viewing the youth as children. They are not just future leaders; they are integral partners in society today. It is time to change the narrative and acknowledge youth as active contributors and partners in peacebuilding.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The dialogue adopted the following recommendations:
To the government:
1.
The government should strengthen the enforcement of the Anti-Vigilantism Act to hold perpetrators of electoral violence accountable.
- The government should review the Arms and Ammunitions Act, Arms and Ammunitions Decree of 1972 (NRCD 9 )to reflect current trends and international laws and standards in arm production, transfer, use, storage among others.
- Government should increase border security to curb the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.
- Government should ensure the creation of an independent trust fund to support political candidates is crucial to alleviating the financial burden of politics, which often motivates violent behaviors.
- The government should improve monitoring and enforcement of political systems and address underlying issues of violence after elections are held. This should include compensation to victims of political attacks.
- The government must deepen its effort regarding data protection on arms ownership information and institute measures to guard against access to digital arms design on website.
To Civil Society Organizations (CSOs):
- CSOs must scale up public education on the dangers of electoral gun violence
- CSOs should continuously empower youth with the skills and platforms they need to advocate for peaceful elections.
- CSOs should increase public awareness on gun violence.
To Political Parties:
- Political Parties should commit to peaceful campaigns
- Political Parties should disarm their affiliated groups. It is essential to ensure internal accountability to discourage and penalize any form of violence.
To Individuals (Including Youth) and Communities:
- Community-led initiatives remain key to raise awareness about gun violence and encourage citizens to promote peaceful conduct of the elections.
- The citizenry should utilize the newly launched Ballot Not Bullet: Citizen Action for Peaceful Election (CAPE) Election Monitoring App to report and track incidents of violence before, during, and after elections.
- Furthermore, it is advisable that Traditional Authorities including Chiefs must refrain from involving themselves in politics, as this often creates opportunities for conflict.
- Citizens should avoid mockery after election results are declared.
- Citizens must be agents of peace in their communities.
- Citizens should refrain from staying at polling stations after they have casted their ballot to avoid creating tension.
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