By: Franklin ASARE-DONKOH
The ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has called to the largest opposition party, National Democratic Congress (NDC) to reconsider its position on committing to the 2024 peace accord ahead of the 7th December polls.
The NPP urges all parties to partake in any initiative that promotes peace and stability. It explained that signing the 2024 peace accord ahead of the 7th December polls was in the national interest.
The ruling party’s call comes on the heels of a recent statement made by the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketia.
The Chairman of the NDC stated in an interview that the largest opposition party would not sign a peace declaration ahead of the upcoming general elections.
Reacting to Mr. Asiedu Nketia’s comments in a press release, signed by the party’s General Secretary, Mr. Justin Frimpong Kodua noted that the NPP deems the comments “unfortunate” and “incendiary,” and condemns it in no uncertain terms.
The NPP highlighted concerns that the NDC leadership is creating an environment of fear and suspicion among their supporters, seemingly preparing them to reject the outcome of the 2024 elections.
The NPP’s General Secretary, emphasised in his statement that the NPP is commitment to maintaining peace and stability in Ghana before, during, and after the elections.
The statement reiterated that the leadership of the NPP has consistently demonstrated its commitment to maintaining peace and stability since the advent of the Fourth Republic, including in situations where it had genuine concerns about the electoral process.
The NPP pointed out that since 2008, it has always signed the Peace Accord, regardless of whether it was in government or opposition.
The party cited its actions in 2016 when it committed to the Peace Accord despite challenging the results of the 2012 elections in court and harbouring doubts about the neutrality of the Electoral Commission.
Below is the full statement
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has taken notice of a publication on myjoyonline.com dated August 15, 2024, captioned “We won’t sign peace declaration ahead of elections, says Asiedu Nketia,” ostensibly attributed to the National Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
According to the publication, Mr. Asiedu Nketia made the statement during his appearance on Joy News’ current affairs programme, PM Express, on Wednesday, August 14, 2024.
The NPP takes a serious view of the statement and reacts as follows:
1. The NPP finds the comment by the NDC National Chairman very unfortunate and condemns it in no uncertain terms, given the worrying and incendiary nature of the statement.
2. We have noted with concern that the leadership of the NDC has gained notoriety for consistently beating the drums of war and preparing the minds of their supporters to reject the outcome of the 2024 general elections, foreseeing their inevitable loss.
3. The NPP wishes to make a passionate appeal to the NDC to reconsider their posture by reason of the national interest and desist from making statements likely to fuel tensions in the political atmosphere with far-reaching implications for the peace and security of our dear country.
4. We wish to reiterate our firm assurance to Ghanaians that the NPP remains solemnly committed, in words and in deeds, to maintaining the peace and stability of this country before, during, and after the 2024 elections, and will accept its outcome in good faith.
5. It is common knowledge that since the advent of the Fourth Republic, the NPP has been the political party that has consistently demonstrated unwavering commitment to maintaining the country’s peace, either before,
during, and after general elections and will never deviate from this commitment.
6. Since 2008, the NPP has always committed to signing the Peace Accord, either in government or opposition or during instances when the Party had genuine concerns about the sanctity of our electoral outcomes and processes. For instance, despite challenging the outcome of the 2012 general elections results in court and having doubts about the neutrality of the Electoral Commission, the NPP, guided by the overarching national
interest, still committed to the Peace Accord in 2016.
7. It is an established fact that whenever we have legitimate concerns, the NPP resorts to appropriate fora, including the courts, the Peace Council, IPAC, and other stakeholders to address our grievances and, where
necessary, call for electoral reforms to improve the country’s electoral systems and processes. We call on our rank and file to uphold our principled position despite provocations from the NDC, which has always
touted its revolutionary roots.
8. While we reiterate our commitment to signing the 2024 Election Peace Declaration with alacrity, we call on the National Peace Council, Civil Society Organisations, Religious and Traditional Authorities and indeed, all well-meaning Ghanaians to join us in condemning the statement by the NDC National Chairman and to urge the party to use appropriate channels to resolve any grievances.
9. Ironically, despite the NDC’s stated stance, they continue to be represented at the Peace Council, IPAC and National Security meetings. Why are they unable to maintain a principled stance to the peace and stability of Ghana?
10. Finally, we want to remind the NDC that Ghanaians are peace-loving people, and by the grace of God, Ghana will not experience any war regardless of the outcome of the 2024 general elections. The will of the Ghanaians will always prevail.
