Ghanaâs enviable reputation as a âpeaceful countryâ when it comes to democracy is now under scrutiny, with lots of question marks hovering around us as the world waits in nervous anticipation to see if we can retain that tag after the General Elections on December 7.
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Since the Fourth Republic was instituted in 1992, the country has enjoyed six separate peaceful elections and and two successful changes in government  from one party to another, but there is a sense that this elections could still test our democratic credentials.
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In an interview conducted by Pulse.com.gh, some Ghanaians expressed their opinions about the imminent elections and the need for peace among Ghanaians before and after the high profile polls.
An elderly man who owns a mechanic workshop said: âWe proudly tell foreigners that Ghana is a democratic country but as this yearâs elections draws closer, some Ghanaians like me who have witnessed several elections live in fear and panic.
Honestly, I am so scared that I donât even want to step out come Election Day. I donât want to witness the fighting and shooting that might befall our beloved country Ghana.â
A National Service person lamented: âI am daring the various political parties; if they think the Electoral Commission is not competent to give an honest verdict after Ghanaians have cast their votes then they should either appoint a new EC or remain silent forever.â
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âWe donât want to fight,â said a shop-owner. âEven from Military rule to Democratic rule there was peace in the country. If somebody wants you to fight for them, ask them to take the guns first and you will follow them. Â We are all one people.â
A Station Master who has five children and two wives added: âWe will not fight. If you ask me to fight, I will beat you first with the little strength I have left. We have seen the fate of Ivory Coast and Liberia and we donât want that for Ghana. We will never fight each other.â
âI am a young guy with no wife and children and I want peace in Ghana,â added a Taxi Driver. âWe will never fight. Even the leaders have taken their children and families abroad because they think something bad might happen. Ghana belongs to us if we fight where we will go?â
âWe want truth and accuracy from the Electoral Commission. If party A wins, they should announce as such. No macho men should be allowed around the ballot boxes. If it is time for counting, one can just observe without causing any chaos at polling centres. We want peace in Ghana,â said a food vendor.
âWe shouldnât say something that will make our neighbour angry. We should never provoke anyone with political issues. We are all one people just separated by tribes, and Iâm pleading with everybody to ensure tolerance for a peaceful Ghana,â said a Seamstress.
âGhanaians, we need peace as we vote on December 7. We should remember that we have families before we start thinking of fighting each other over election results. Radio panelists are always shouting and arguing on the airwaves which doesnât show good leadership skills. We should all go and vote in our numbers and accept the results in good faith, whether it favours us or not,â a shop assistant added.