The Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Professor John Evans Mills, has welcomed a meeting to discuss matters pertaining to the peaceful conduct of elections under the auspices of any credible and impartial organizations that can facilitate such a discussion not only with the NPP but also with all the political parties that are participating in the December polls.
"Professor Mills would be prepared to participate in such a meeting himself should the need arise," he said in a statement issued by Ms Hannah Tetteh, Communications Director of NDC.
The Chairman of the NPP, Mr Peter MacManu has asked for a meeting of the two major parties to discuss matters pertaining to the peaceful conduct of the December 7 elections, but the General Secretary of the Party, Mr Johnson Asiedu-Nketia has said the NPP's call was made after the Gushiegu clashes and there was the need for justice, as several cases of violation of peace reported to the police had not been handled.
Prof. Mills said: "It is important to state that the NDC has behaved responsibly as a political party and has made proposals for building the peace before the elections well in advance of the NPP's belated call for a meeting to discuss the peaceful conduct of elections.
"The NDC had previously sent proposals to the National Peace Council for ensuring a peaceful, free and fair election. In this regard, it is also worth noting that the NDC wrote to the Council of State formally requesting to have a meeting with them to discuss the measures that ought to be taken to build the peace and restore public confidence immediately after the gruesome incidents that took place in Tamale and Gushiegu.
"Unfortunately, at the time the Council of State did not make itself available to meet with the party to discuss the concerns raised."
Prof. Mills said the NDC also wrote to the Ghana Bar Association, the Christian Council and other organizations, which in the party's view could help to engage the political actors in constructive dialogue towards peace building.
"We do not think that it is too late to work together to build public trust and confidence, before the elections take place."
Professor Mills reiterated that the NDC peacefully handed over power to the NPP after the 2000 election, without any violence, disturbance or attempt to resist the will of the people freely expressed in the election results.
He added that the NDC had consistently demonstrated its commitment to the building of the democratic culture in our country and considered itself a stakeholder in this process.
"The prime responsibility for maintaining the nation's peace and stability, however, rests on the current Government and while we will all contribute to this process, it is important that the Government fulfils its obligations to the Ghanaian people in this regard."
It said while awaiting confirmation of the meeting to be held under the auspices of an independent non-partisan body, Professor Mills said it was of primary importance that the leadership of the Ghana Police Service and the Security Agencies responsible for maintaining law and order on Election Day were encouraged to take immediate steps to build public confidence in the institutions under their control as well as their ability to act as truly impartial law enforcers.
"This is especially necessary considering the perceived police inaction on the prosecution of those involved in the murders and destruction in Gushiegu.
"There is also the case where an activist from another party was arrested with several voter identification cards, which he was keeping in his custody in the Ejura Sekyeredumase Constituency, and so far, no further action appears to have been taken on the matter."
Prof. Mills said it was important that all parties came to this discussion and meeting in good faith, determined to do what was necessary to overcome any lingering feelings of suspicion or mistrust, and putting the national interest above any partisan interest.
"The December 7th Election is an event within a process, the process of entrenching our democracy and ensuring that we build a peaceful, stable and prosperous society. The National Democratic Congress, which I lead, is committed to this process. We wish to lead Ghana in the right direction, and will surely contribute our quota to building a peaceful, stable and better Ghana," he said.