By: Franklin ASARE-DONKOH
The Minister of Interior, and New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Ayawaso Central constituency in the Greater Accra region, Mr Henry Quartey, has debunked claims that the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia government will not relinquish power if not victorious in the December 7 polls.
According to him, the leadership of the NPP is fully committed to a peaceful transition of power in the event of defeat in the upcoming Presidential elections.
The minister’s assurance, comes on the heels of remarks by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, that he is hesitance about handing over power to an opponent (referring to the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) 2024 presidential candidate, John Dramani Mahama) he had previously defeated in two elections.
Addressing the media in Accra on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, Mr. Quartey assured reporters of his party’s dedication to ensuring a peaceful electoral process. He reiterated that the NPP would indeed facilitate a peaceful transition of power should they not emerge victorious in the upcoming general elections.
“As a politician, as a political party, it is our hope, it is our wish, it is our belief that by the grace of God, the good people of this country, the good work that we have done in infrastructure and in other interventions, they will give us another mandate.
Perish the thought, and I say again, perish the thought, If they decide to give their mandate to somebody, we will handover peacefully and walk away, go to the drawing board and come back Insha Allah. But I know that the grace of God abounds and so we shall break the 8,” Mr. Quartey stated
The Minister of Interior, has however, warned that persons who incite violence before, during or after the 2024 general elections would be dealt with irrespective of political affiliation.
This follows the reported pockets of violence recorded at some centres across the country in the ongoing limited voter registration exercise.
“Let me sound the wording again, You know my track record, I walk my talk. Anybody who goes to do something other than what is prescribed, we will do our best to ensure that the law will take its course and the court of competent jurisdiction will do its work.
May I sound this warning that it will not be political vindictiveness. If anybody commits, whoever the person is, we shall ensure that the law will take its course,” he reiterated.
