By Magdalene Andoh
In a controversial statement made during his campaign tour of the Eastern region, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has issued a stern warning to senior security officers regarding the upcoming December 7 elections.
Speaking at Amanase in the Ayensuano constituency, Nketia cautioned against what he described as potential attempts by the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) to influence security forces in a manner that could lead to civilian casualties. He emphasized that any such actions would not go unpunished should the NDC come to power.
“On the day of reckoning, the government that encouraged to open fire on the people would have left power and left you alone to face the consequences. Police and military commanders who give orders to open fire on the people, you will not go scot-free, because crime has no expiry date,” Nketia warned.
The NDC chairman’s comments come in the wake of the 2020 election controversy, where eight individuals lost their lives during protests against the Electoral Commission’s conduct. Nketia claims that the NDC has documented evidence of security personnel involved in these incidents and vowed to hold them accountable.
In a further escalation of rhetoric, Nketia alleged that some individuals involved in the 2020 incidents have since been promoted to ministerial positions. He issued a stark warning against any repetition of such actions in the upcoming elections.
“Today, some of them have benefited from that act and have been promoted as ministers and still threatening to repeat what they did in the last elections. Tell them they are joking, everything you do, know that first fool is not a fool,” he stated.
These statements have raised concerns about potential electoral violence and the implications for Ghana’s democratic process. As the December 7 elections approach, political tensions continue to mount, with both major parties trading accusations of attempting to subvert the will of the electorate.
Election observers and civil society organizations are calling for calm and urging all parties to commit to a peaceful and fair electoral process. The Ghana Police Service has yet to respond to these allegations and warnings.
