Our strength lies in collaboration and mutual respect,' the Reverend Dr Ernest Adu-Gyamfi, the Chairman of the National Peace Council (NPC), said on Wednesday. He noted that though the challenges that the country faced were significant, with united efforts and the excellent mediation skills of peace actors and stakeholders, they would be addressed effectively. This was in a speech read on behalf of the Chairman at the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) dialogue and mediation training and interactive engagement with peace actors and stakeholders held by the NPC in Accra. This is one of the follow-up actions of the ECOWAS pre-election fact-finding mission deployed to Ghana from 21 to 28 July 2024, to assess the level of preparedness for the forthcoming General Election by the Electoral Commission and all other stakeholders in the election value chain. The overall objective of the training and interactive workshop is to enhance the capacity of the peace actors and stakeholders in the elector al processes for peaceful electoral outcomes. Participants will be able to support the prevention and mitigation of disputes likely to emerge before, during, or after the elections. Dr Adu-Gyamfi, therefore, called on peace actors and stakeholders to work together to ensure that the 2024 General Election was conducted in an environment of peace and respect, reflecting the country's cherished democratic values. He said strengthening the mechanisms of dialogue and mediation was vital for addressing the complex challenges in West Africa. 'The integrity of our democracy and the stability of our nation depends on our ability to engage in constructive dialogue, manage differences, and uphold the principles of fairness and respect,' the Chairman stated. The National Peace Council, he said, recognised the vital role that each stakeholder played in advancing dialogue and mediation efforts. 'Let us embark on this journey with resolve and optimism, knowing that together, we can build a more peaceful and prosperous future for all,' he added. Dr Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, in a speech read on his behalf, urged all political actors and stakeholders to play by the laid down rules in line with the country's constitution and electoral laws. He said they must also prioritise the ECOWAS regional Constitutional Convergence principles and frameworks for transparent and peaceful elections. Dr Touray noted that the political landscape was getting 'hot' with trust deficits continuing to characterise relationships between the stakeholders of the electoral value chain, including the citizens. The ECOWAS President added that there were growing incidents of inciting statements, misinformation and disinformation, which continued to define the electoral periods. He reiterated the commitment of the management of the ECOWAS Commission to supporting Ghana's efforts in consolidating its democratic gains through the holding of inclusive, peaceful, free, fair, transparent, and credible elections. Participants i ncluded representatives of political parties, Inter-Party Advisory Committees, security agencies and traditional and religious rulers. Source: Ghana News Agency