The three-day dialogue, organised by NPC, aims to evaluate the aftermath of the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections, which saw President John Dramani Mahama return for a second term after previously serving from 2012 to 2016.

Partnering organizations include the West African Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana).

The meeting on the theme: "Dialoguing for a Stronger Democracy and Social Cohesion," has brought together stakeholders to critically assess the outcomes of the 2024 polls, identify best practices, examine challenges, and formulate consensus-driven recommendations for future electoral processes.

Participants, drawn from civil society organizations, political parties, state institutions, and development partners, are deliberating on strategies to further enhance peace, deepen democratic governance, and reinforce national cohesion across Ghana.

Most Rev. Emmanuel Kofi Fianu, Chairman of the Governing Board of NPC, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of six lives during the 2024 elections, along with incidents of intimidation, property destruction, vandalism, and invasions of public facilities in several constituencies.
He acknowledged that Ghana had made commendable strides in democratic consolidation, marked by peaceful transitions of power, judicial resolution of electoral disputes, and a vibrant political landscape.

However, he noted that the continued occurrence of election-related violence remained a big threat to national cohesion and democratic resilience.

"Let us be reminded: peace is not permanent, it is perishable and fragile, and must therefore be consciously preserved," he cautioned.
He emphasized that Ghana's democracy must not devolve into a winner-takes-all contest, in which the stakes are so high, that violence is seen as viable option.

Most Rev. Fianu, said, "the conduct of political party youth wings must come under sharper scrutiny because our youth who are recruited into policing ballot boxes, are manipulated by propaganda, and sacrificed on the altar of political expediency."

"We must invest more in civic education, youth political dialogue, and the creation of nonviolent pathways for political expression," he added.
He advised that proposals by the Interparty Advisory Committee (IPAC) ahead of the 2024 general elections must be revisited, and with consensus settle on the areas that required attention.
He urged Parliament to expedite consideration of any outstanding legislative reforms, including electoral dispute resolution and political party financing; while security agencies continue to enhance professionalism and impartiality, especially in election-related deployments.

In her keynote address, Ms. Barrie Lynne Freeman, Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) said UNOWAS remained fully committed to its close collaboration with the National Peace Council's supporting efforts to strengthen and protect Ghana's democratic gains as well as to share its achievements as a model for the region and beyond.

"This conference is a valuable opportunity for reflection on consolidating good practices, promoting healthy electoral competition, and managing results in a peaceful environment upheld by commitment to inclusion and dialogue," she said.
She expressed concern over the low representation of women in Parliament, noting that the 2024 elections resulted in women occupying less than 15 percent of seats.

However, she acknowledged the passage of the Gender Equality Act and the historic election of a female Vice President in 2024 as significant milestones.
The parliamentary outcome, she emphasized, reinforced the urgent need to advance women's participation in political and governance structures and to foster an environment where they can compete on equal and secure footing.