The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has raised serious allegations against Brigadier General Michael Opoku, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) Central Command of the Ghana Armed Forces. The opposition party claims that Brigadier General Opoku has been tasked by President Akufo-Addo to execute a rigging agenda aimed at ensuring a New Patriotic Party (NPP) victory in the 2024 general elections, particularly in the Ashanti Region.
At a press conference held on Tuesday, November 19, the NDC’s National Communications Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, accused Brigadier General Opoku of being a central figure in what he described as a “well-orchestrated scheme” designed to manipulate the election process. According to Mr. Gyamfi, the officer’s recent promotion to his current position is part of a calculated effort to use security forces to interfere with the elections.
The NDC spokesperson alleged that Brigadier General Opoku’s role in the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election violence had not only gone unpunished but had instead been rewarded with a higher office. “Rather than being reprimanded for his actions during the Ayawaso West Wuogon incident, Brigadier General Opoku has been promoted to GOC of the Central Command. This move is not coincidental; it is strategic,” Mr. Gyamfi asserted.
### Claims of Election Interference
Sammy Gyamfi further alleged that Brigadier General Opoku has been promised the position of Chief of Defence Staff if the NPP retains power. In return, the officer is reportedly tasked with executing a range of activities to compromise the elections in the NPP’s favor. The NDC claims these activities include ballot box stuffing, pink sheet swapping, and orchestrating violence against opposition party agents and supporters.
Mr. Gyamfi also alleged that training camps have been set up at military facilities like the Asutuary military camp, where NPP-aligned thugs are allegedly being trained. These individuals, he claimed, would be dressed in military uniforms and deployed to intimidate voters and disrupt the election process.
“In his current position, Brigadier General Opoku is overseeing the training of NPP thugs at Asutuary. These individuals are being prepared to carry out acts of violence against NDC agents and innocent citizens on Election Day. This is an affront to Ghana’s democracy, and we will not sit idle while such plans are hatched,” Gyamfi stated.
### Special Voting Concerns
The NDC also expressed concerns about the upcoming special voting exercise, scheduled for December 2, 2024. The party believes this process is particularly vulnerable to manipulation and has called on election observers and stakeholders to be vigilant.
Mr. Gyamfi emphasized that Brigadier General Opoku’s alleged election-rigging agenda poses a significant threat to Ghana’s democratic process. He warned that any attempts to interfere with the elections would be met with strong resistance from the NDC. “We are putting Brigadier General Opoku and his collaborators in the NPP on notice. We will monitor their activities with eagle eyes, and any attempt to subvert the will of the people will be exposed and resisted,” he said.
### Call for Accountability
The NDC has called on key figures in Ghana’s security apparatus to take immediate action. The party urged the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, to ensure the neutrality of the Ghana Police Service during the elections. Additionally, the party appealed to the Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Thomas Oppong-Peprah, to investigate the allegations against Brigadier General Opoku and hold him accountable.
The NDC also reminded the security agencies of their duty to protect lives and uphold peace during the electoral process. “The IGP and the Chief of Defence Staff must act swiftly to prevent any violence or loss of life during the elections. Elections are about counting heads, not cutting heads,” Mr. Gyamfi said.
### Justice for Past Election Violence
The NDC further criticized the government for its failure to deliver justice for the eight individuals who lost their lives during the 2020 elections. The party pointed to incidents such as the Techiman South shooting, where individuals were killed in broad daylight, as evidence of a lack of accountability.
The party reiterated its commitment to ensuring a peaceful election and vowed to hold all security agencies accountable for any lapses in their duties. “The NDC will not tolerate a repeat of the violence that marred the 2020 elections. We will hold the IGP, the Chief of Defence Staff, and all security heads responsible for the safety and security of Ghanaians during this election period,” the party stated.
### Final Call to Action
The NDC concluded its press briefing with a firm call to all Ghanaians to remain vigilant and safeguard the integrity of the electoral process. The party urged civil society organizations, international observers, and the media to pay close attention to developments in the Ashanti Region and other hotspots to ensure that the will of the people prevails.
As the 2024 elections approach, the allegations and counter-allegations between the NDC and NPP underscore the high stakes involved. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Ghana can uphold its reputation as a beacon of democracy in Africa.
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