The National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, has delivered a stern caution to the Bono Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwame Baffoe, widely known as Abronye. Gyamfi warned that any attempts to incite violence or disturb the peace ahead of the December elections would have grave consequences, suggesting that Abronye “won’t live to see the aftermath of this year’s election” if he engages in such activities.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, held at the NDC headquarters in Accra, Sammy Gyamfi addressed the issue of election-related violence, referencing incidents from the 2020 general elections. He pointed to a particularly tragic case in Banda, where a young teacher trainee and evangelist lost his life after being stabbed by individuals believed to be members of NPP-aligned vigilante groups. Despite the seriousness of the incident, Gyamfi lamented that the perpetrators have not been brought to justice.
According to Gyamfi, Abronye recently visited Banda, the same area where the 2020 killing took place, and made incendiary remarks that could potentially stoke tensions ahead of this year’s polls. Gyamfi claimed that Abronye boldly predicted that the upcoming elections would witness even more fatalities than the violence recorded in Techiman during the previous elections. In response, the NDC spokesperson issued a direct and unequivocal warning, asserting that Abronye would face serious repercussions if he attempted to foment any form of chaos.
“Someone like Abronye goes to Banda, the very place where the young man was murdered, not too long ago,” Gyamfi stated. “He goes there and says that in this year’s election, more people will be murdered than we saw in Techiman. But I have news for him: if he tries anything silly, he will not live to see the aftermath of this year’s election.”
Gyamfi’s remarks underscore the high stakes and heightened tensions surrounding Ghana’s electoral process, with both major political parties trading accusations and raising concerns about potential violence. The Communications Officer also criticized what he described as questionable developments in Banda, claiming that the recent transfer of the district’s police commander and the Electoral Commission officer were orchestrated by the NPP to influence the outcome of the elections.
These transfers, according to Gyamfi, have created unease in the area, which has already been scarred by the violence of past elections. He suggested that such moves were part of a broader strategy by the ruling party to manipulate the electoral process in its favor. Gyamfi further accused the NPP of using intimidation tactics to suppress voter turnout in opposition strongholds, warning that the NDC would resist any such attempts with equal determination.
Despite the heated rhetoric, Sammy Gyamfi reiterated the NDC’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful and fair electoral process. He emphasized that the party is fully dedicated to protecting the lives of citizens and preventing a repeat of the tragedies that have marred previous elections. According to him, the NDC will take every necessary measure to ensure that no lives are lost during this year’s polls.
The National Democratic Congress has consistently voiced concerns about election security and the potential for violence, particularly in flashpoints like Banda and Techiman. These areas have witnessed deadly clashes in the past, leaving communities traumatized and raising questions about the effectiveness of Ghana’s electoral dispute resolution mechanisms. Gyamfi’s statements reflect a growing frustration within the opposition over what they perceive as a lack of accountability and justice for victims of political violence.
While Abronye has not yet responded to Gyamfi’s comments, the warning has sparked discussions about the tone of political discourse in Ghana and the responsibilities of leaders to promote peace. Political analysts have cautioned that such inflammatory exchanges could escalate tensions and undermine public confidence in the electoral process. They have urged all political actors to prioritize unity and national stability over partisan interests.
The 2024 general elections are shaping up to be one of the most contentious in Ghana’s history, with both the NDC and the NPP pulling out all the stops to secure victory. As the campaign season intensifies, there is a growing call for restraint and responsible behavior from all stakeholders, including political parties, security agencies, and the Electoral Commission.
For many Ghanaians, the memory of past election-related violence serves as a painful reminder of the need for peace and civility during the electoral process. The hope is that leaders from all sides will work together to ensure that this year’s elections are conducted in a manner that upholds Ghana’s reputation as a beacon of democracy in Africa.
In the face of heightened tensions and the risk of violence, the responsibility lies with political leaders to set a positive example and foster an environment of mutual respect and understanding. Whether or not this will happen remains to be seen, but the stakes could not be higher for Ghana’s democracy and the safety of its citizens.
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