The General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, has confidently declared that the party will secure an outright victory in the first round of the December 2024 presidential election. Speaking during an interview on *The Point of View* hosted by Bernard Avle on Channel One TV, Kwetey expressed optimism about the NDC’s chances but maintained that the final decision ultimately rests in the hands of the Ghanaian electorate.
“We’re confident we are going to win by the first round. But at the end of the day, it’s always left in the hands of the people of Ghana,” Kwetey stated.
Kwetey’s declaration underscores the NDC’s belief in the strong support they have garnered across the nation. He noted that the party’s commitment to addressing the hardships faced by Ghanaians has strengthened its appeal among voters, and this, he believes, will be reflected in the outcome of the polls.
However, Kwetey was not entirely uncritical of the election process. He raised concerns about the competence and neutrality of the Electoral Commission (EC), led by Jean Mensa. While he acknowledged the importance of working within the existing framework, he criticized the commission for what he described as lapses in its operations, particularly during the special voting exercise.
### Concerns About the Electoral Commission’s Performance
Kwetey pointed out delays in special voting in the Western and Eastern regions as a glaring example of inefficiency. “The Jean Mensa Electoral Commission has touted itself as being the best in our history, but the evidence doesn’t support that claim,” he remarked. According to Kwetey, the inability to conduct a seamless special voting exercise in two key regions raises questions about the EC’s preparedness and competence.
“There have been genuine issues about competence. To the extent that you’ve done special voting and two big regions have had to postpone, the hitches have been there, which means they have not been on top of the job. They have not done it well,” he asserted.
Kwetey further compared the current EC leadership to previous commissioners, such as Dr. Kwadwo Afari-Gyan and Charlotte Osei, whom he praised for their impartiality and professionalism. He lamented what he perceives as a decline in the quality of leadership at the EC, which he argued undermines public confidence in the electoral process.
### A Call for Vigilance
Despite these concerns, Kwetey emphasized that the NDC remains focused on the bigger picture—winning the election. He called on party members and supporters to remain vigilant throughout the electoral process to ensure that every vote is counted and the will of the people is upheld.
Kwetey’s remarks come at a time when the stakes in Ghana’s presidential election are higher than ever. The NDC’s presidential candidate, John Dramani Mahama, is seeking to unseat the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, in what is expected to be a fiercely contested election.
### Ghana’s Political Landscape
The December 2024 election marks a critical juncture in Ghana’s political history. With economic challenges and social issues dominating the national discourse, the outcome will likely hinge on which party can convince Ghanaians that it has the solutions to the country’s pressing problems. For the NDC, Kwetey’s confidence in a first-round victory reflects the party’s belief that it has done enough to resonate with the electorate.
Kwetey also highlighted the NDC’s commitment to addressing the concerns of ordinary Ghanaians, promising that the party’s policies would prioritize economic recovery, job creation, and social equity. This message, he believes, has struck a chord with voters, positioning the NDC as the preferred choice in the upcoming election.
### The Role of the Electorate
While the NDC projects confidence, Kwetey acknowledged the unpredictable nature of elections. He urged Ghanaians to actively participate in the democratic process by voting and holding leaders accountable. According to him, the power to shape the country’s future lies in the hands of the electorate.
“The people of Ghana have the ultimate power to decide. We are confident in their ability to make the right choice, and we trust that choice will be the NDC,” he said.
### Looking Ahead
As the countdown to December 7 continues, the NDC’s optimism and criticisms of the EC add to the dynamic political landscape in Ghana. Kwetey’s remarks not only reflect the party’s strategic positioning but also underscore the broader challenges facing the electoral process in the country.
The question now is whether the NDC’s confidence will translate into tangible results at the polls. With just days to go, all eyes are on Ghana as the nation prepares for what promises to be a pivotal election.
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