Ghana can’t disappoint Africa in 2016 - PAP

Some members of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) have reminded Ghana to be guided by her previous peaceful elections and, as such, cannot disappoint Africa in the December 7 polls.

“Ghana bears the torchlight of democracy, and the entirety of Africa is looking to the country again to show to the continent that it holds in high esteem the credentials of peace, understanding and tolerance in elections,” the legislators said.

Speaking to journalists at the end of a four-day training workshop in Accra, the legislators urged political leaders to accept the verdict of Ghanaians in the forthcoming elections.

Mr McHenry Venaani, an opposition leader from Namibia, said Ghana had a history of peaceful transition of power from a ruling government to an opposition party in 2000 and 2008, which was a plus to the country’s democratic credentials.

“We, therefore, expect that Ghana would go through this year’s election in a free, fair and peaceful manner,” Mr Venaani said and urged politicians to accept and respect the will of the people.

He called on political leaders to eschew abusive language that could create tension and violence during and after the election.

Dr Phenyo Butale from Botswana commended Ghanaians for demonstrating in previous elections that they are able to organise free, fair and peaceful elections.

“This year’s election is another opportunity for Ghanaians to once again showcase their rich democratic laurels,” Dr Buitale said adding that the PAP and Africa as a whole expected Ghana to go through the elections without scratches.

The result-based management training was organised by the PAP and facilitated by the African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs.

Mrs Vivian Abii, the Head of Human Resources and Administration of the PAP, said the training had equipped the members with the requisite skills to conduct their work more efficiently in their respective parliaments.

Besides, she said, it would improve the performance and ensure more efficiency and accountability from the PAP.

Members were taught how to organise their programmes in a specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound (SMART) manner.

The Pan-African Parliament, also known as the African Parliament, is the legislative body of the African Union which held its inaugural session in March 2004.

The PAP exercises oversight, advisory and consultative powers and its seat is in Midrand, South Africa.