The Presidential candidate of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has urged Ghanaians to relentlessly pursue a just society where every Ghanaian feels secure and valued.

He said, "True peace cannot exist without justice", adding that "we need a proactive attitude towards peace."

Mr Mahama who was explaining why he suspended his campaign last Sunday, November 3, 2024, said "Had we been proactive in addressing the tensions in our midst, perhaps we would not have faced tragedies such as those in Bawku, where lives are being lost and families are being shattered."

He said he suspended his campaign to join the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council, the Christian Council of Ghana, the Office of the National Chief Imam, the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference, and the National Association of Charismatic Christian Churches at the launch of a National Peace Campaign in Accra.

For him, peace is not merely the absence of conflict and that "It is the presence of justice, fairness and mutual respect."

He said the NDC is committed to upholding the values of dialogue, respect, and justice for all, saying "We pledge to be the voice of the voiceless and to stand alongside every Ghanaian committed to peace—a peace grounded in justice."

Oti Region tour 

Meanwhile, the NDC's presidential candidate on Monday started a two-day tour of the Oti region from Kwamekrom in the Biakoye constituency as part of his ongoing #Mahama4Change2024 campaign. 

The start of the Oti Region tour follows his participation in Sunday’s launch of a national campaign for peace by various religious bodies, demonstrating his commitment to fostering unity and stability in the nation.

While on the tour, Mahama will focus his message on critical issues affecting the region and the country's growth and development, particularly in the areas of creating Jobs; supporting women-Owned Businesses; and launching a National Apprentice Programme.