NPP Denies NDC Claims of Interference in Ghana Freedom Party's Ballot Re-Entry
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has rejected accusations from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) alleging that it attempted to block the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP) from re-entering the 2024 presidential ballot. In a statement on JoyFM’s "Top Story," Haruna Mohammed, Deputy General Secretary of the NPP, clarified the party’s stance, emphasizing that the NPP's sole objective is to secure victory for its flagbearer, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, in the upcoming December 7 elections.
Mohammed dismissed the notion that the NPP was trying to influence the GFP's re-entry onto the ballot. He stressed that the NPP does not control the ballot order and has no interest in where it or other parties are positioned. "We are stakeholders and competitors in this election, focused only on ensuring Dr. Bawumia’s success,” he stated, adding that the party had no intention to manipulate ballot placements.
The allegations arose after the NDC’s Deputy General Secretary, Mustapha Gbande, accused the NPP of meddling in GFP's affairs to prevent the party from participating, potentially altering the NPP’s ballot position. According to Gbande, since the NDC secured the eighth position, the NPP allegedly sought to keep GFP out of the race to impact ballot arrangement, a tactic he labeled as "a gimmick."
Mohammed, however, refuted these claims, insisting that the NDC had presented no evidence to support the accusation. He urged the opposition party to avoid spreading unsubstantiated rumors and emphasized that the NPP was fully prepared to compete regardless of ballot order. "Even if John Mahama [the NDC’s candidate] is placed as number one, we will still defeat him,” he asserted confidently.
The controversy over GFP’s ballot status stems from internal conflicts within the party. Following the recent death of its founder and former flagbearer, Akua Donkor, the GFP was instructed by Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC) to nominate a new candidate. The party's General Secretary, George Afful, responded by endorsing Philip Kwabena Agyemang (popularly known as Roman Fada) as the GFP’s presidential candidate. However, a contrasting letter from the GFP’s National Organizer, Richard Botchway, suggested that after consultations with Donkor’s family, the party would withdraw from the presidential race entirely.
These conflicting positions have further complicated GFP’s participation in the December election, leading to heightened scrutiny and speculation about the party's impact on the ballot.
As the election approaches, both major parties are keen to avoid distractions that could detract from their campaigns. The NPP, focused on consolidating its base and addressing pressing issues, remains confident in its chances, while the NDC seeks to challenge the incumbent administration and push its vision for Ghana.
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