NERG Warns Against Electoral Violence: Urges Respect for Campaign Materials and Religious Tolerance


The National Peace Council (NPC) and the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), in collaboration with key state institutions, civil society organizations (CSOs), and other non-partisan electoral stakeholders, launched the National Election Response Group (NERG) in May 2024 as part of the Electoral Violence Monitoring, Analysis, and Mitigation (E-MAM) project funded by the European Union. NERG has been actively monitoring the pre-election atmosphere and emerging security issues as the nation gears up for the December 2024 elections.


In their latest update, NERG raised concerns about three major issues affecting the electoral environment. First, the defacing and destruction of political party campaign materials such as posters and billboards, allegedly carried out by political opponents, were highlighted as potential threats to peace. The group called on the Ghana Police Service to increase monitoring and urged political parties and the public to refrain from such acts to preserve national harmony.


Second, NERG addressed the growing trend of political and religious figures making statements that inflame religious sentiments. These pronouncements, NERG warned, risk disturbing the longstanding religious tolerance Ghana has enjoyed. The group encouraged citizens to uphold the peaceful coexistence that has characterized religious life in the country.


Third, NERG expressed appreciation to the Electoral Commission (EC) and the various political parties, including the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), for the cooperative approach they have maintained in ensuring a credible and robust voters’ register. NERG remains optimistic that this collaboration will continue as Ghana heads toward the elections.


Rev. Dr. Ernest Adu Gyamfi, Chairman of NERG, assured Ghanaians that the group is committed to maintaining peace and will continue to monitor developments across the country, responding where necessary to facilitate a peaceful electoral process.

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