One Flag , One Purpose: President Mahama Urges Nationwide Healing, reject political hate

In a remarkable address at the closing ceremony of the Post-Election Conference organised by the National Peace Council in Koforidua, Ghana’s President H.E John Dramani Mahama emphasized the critical need for national unity, peaceful electoral processes, and constructive engagement across political, religious, and ethnic divides.

The President stressed that peace-building is a continuous process requiring ongoing effort and sacrifice.

President Mahama highlighted the need to address violence and grievances during elections, urging not to sweep issues under the carpet but to investigate authentic ballot papers and electoral materials.

“The elections, nonetheless violence, when grievances are left unresolved, when institutions are perceived to be biased, and when political discourse becomes toxic, we must confront these challenges boldly. We must not sweep issues under the carpet, we must investigate how authentic ballot papers of the Electoral Commission and other electoral material fall into an authorized hand during general elections.” President Mahama.

President Mahama stressed the importance of unity, respect for diversity, and constructive engagement across party lines, religious beliefs, and ethnic identities, stated that, his administration prioritizes inclusive governance, respect for the rule of law, and a culture of listening.

“The future we see cannot be built on division. It requires unity of purpose, respect for diversity and constructive engagement across party lines, religious beliefs and ethnic identities. This administration prioritizes inclusive governance, respect for the rule of law and the culture of listening,” President Mahama said.

He discussed the timeliness and necessity of the national dialog, bringing together political parties, religious, and social sector actors. He highlighted the role of dialog in cultivating mutual understanding, reducing tensions, and creating shared commitments towards a united Ghana.

President Mahama urged participants to rise above partisanship and reaffirm their shared destiny as Ghanaians, emphasizing the spirit of national service. He however reminds everyone of the shared values symbolized by the national flag, the red, gold, and green with the black star.

“ I urge all participants here today to rise above partisanship, reaffirm our shared destiny as Ghanaians and rekindle the spirit of national service, whether we wear red, blue, green or any other colour, we must remember that we all stand under one flag, the Red, Gold, Green with the black star for hope and unity,” He said.

Ghana’s President called for the outcomes of the deliberations to be implemented, focusing on electoral integrity, trust, and post-election violence prevention. He emphasizes the importance of addressing misinformation, disinformation, accountability, governance, youth engagement, and media responsibility.

“As this conference drops to a close, I charge you to ensure that the outcomes of your deliberations do not remain within these walls, the scenes you have engaged with electoral integrity and trust, binds building post election violence, misinformation and disinformation, accountability, governance, youth engagement and media responsibility are all central to the health and future of our democracy,” President Mahama emphasized.

President Mahama called for the rejection of the politics of hate and the empowerment of young people to believe in dialog over violence, cooperation over conflict, and service over self-interest.