The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has called on former President John Dramani Mahama, flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), to urgently rein in his supporters as tensions escalate at collation centres across Ghana during the ongoing electoral process.
At a press briefing in Accra on Sunday, December 8, 2024, NPP General Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua expressed concern over violent incidents allegedly involving NDC supporters in constituencies such as Damongo, Ablekuma North, Techiman South, Aowin, Obuasi East, and Tema Central.
Kodua described the actions of some NDC supporters as disruptive and accused them of attempting to intimidate electoral officials and manipulate results. "The NPP has with great concern taken notice of the violent conduct of the NDC thugs at some collation centres. Despite evidence of our victories in these constituencies, the NDC appears unwilling to accept their losses and is resorting to undue interference," he stated.
The NPP’s call for calm comes amid claims that these acts are hindering the smooth collation of results. Kodua urged Mahama and the NDC leadership to step up and discourage their supporters from engaging in violence. "As a former President and the leader of the NDC, Mahama has a responsibility to ensure his supporters respect the democratic process and desist from these unlawful actions," he emphasized.
In addition to addressing the NDC, Kodua called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, to deploy more officers to secure collation centres and maintain order. "The safety of all citizens must be prioritized. Law enforcement must act swiftly to prevent illegal activities, including looting and intimidation," he added.
Kodua also reiterated the importance of allowing the Electoral Commission (EC) to carry out its duties without interference. He emphasized the progress Ghana has made since adopting multi-party democracy in 1992 and warned against actions that could undermine the credibility of the 2024 elections. "We must safeguard the sanctity of the electoral process and uphold Ghana's reputation as a beacon of democracy in Africa," he urged.
To support their claims of victory, the NPP presented data indicating their wins in several key constituencies, including Techiman South, Tema Central, and Obuasi East. These results, according to Kodua, reinforce the party’s belief in the EC’s impartiality and commitment to delivering credible outcomes.
As tensions simmer, the NPP’s appeal highlights the need for collaboration among political leaders, security forces, and the EC to ensure peace prevails and the democratic process is upheld.
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