The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has urged the Ghana Police Service and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to maintain peace and order at collation centers nationwide during the ongoing electoral process. The call comes amidst escalating tensions and reports of unrest in certain constituencies, threatening to disrupt the collation of election results.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Sunday, Justin Frimpong Kodua, the General Secretary of the NPP, underscored the critical need for a smooth, transparent, and peaceful collation process. He emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law, urging security agencies to prioritize the safety of citizens and election officials.
Kodua appealed to the police to deploy sufficient personnel to areas identified as potential flashpoints, intensify patrols, and take necessary actions to prevent disruptions. According to him, such measures are essential to preserving the integrity of Ghana’s democratic process.
The NPP also raised concerns over alleged violent activities by some supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) at specific collation centers. Kodua mentioned constituencies such as Damongo, Ablekuma North, Techiman South, Aowin, Obuasi East, Nsawam Adoagyiri, Fanteakwa North, Ahafo Ano North, Ahafo Ano South West, Akwatia, Trobu, and Tema Central, where tensions reportedly flared.
He alleged that these disturbances were orchestrated to influence the outcome of parliamentary elections in areas where the NPP believes it has secured victories. "The data that led our flagbearer to concede this morning clearly shows the NPP has won these constituencies," Kodua said. "However, the NDC, knowing they have lost, appears unwilling to accept the results and is resorting to tactics aimed at compelling the Electoral Commission to act in their favor."
The NPP condemned the alleged violence and announced its determination to resist any attempts to manipulate the election outcomes in these constituencies. Kodua stressed, "We vehemently condemn these attacks and will stand firm against any efforts to tamper with the results."
He further called on the IGP to take immediate steps to restore calm and protect the rights of all citizens at the affected collation centers. “Mr. IGP, we trust you are aware of the developments at these centers. We urge you to ensure that law and order prevail and that the rights and safety of all Ghanaians are safeguarded,” he stated.
In addition to urging action from security agencies, the NPP appealed to leaders of the NDC to reign in their supporters and discourage any form of violence. Kodua emphasized the need for all political parties to demonstrate a commitment to peace, adding, "I call on the leadership of the NDC to condemn these unnecessary acts of violence and guide their members to respect the democratic process."
He also highlighted the critical role of citizens in preserving Ghana’s democratic integrity, urging voters and party supporters to remain calm and patient. “We must all play our part in ensuring the success of this electoral process. Let us cooperate with security agencies and election officials to achieve a peaceful and credible outcome,” he noted.
The NPP’s concerns come amidst broader challenges facing the electoral process, with reports of clashes, disruptions, and delays at several collation centers. In response, the Electoral Commission has called for patience, assuring the public that it is working diligently to finalize and release accurate results.
The ongoing elections have been closely monitored both locally and internationally, with observers commending the overall peaceful conduct of the voting process while urging swift resolution of post-election tensions.
Ghana’s ability to navigate these challenges will be a significant test of its democratic maturity. The calls from the NPP for peace and order underscore the importance of collective efforts in ensuring a stable and credible election process.
As the nation awaits the final results, stakeholders across the political spectrum must prioritize national interest, unity, and democratic principles. Political parties, security agencies, and citizens alike have a shared responsibility to uphold the peace and stability that Ghana has long been celebrated for.
A Call for Calm and Cooperation
The NPP’s statement serves as a timely reminder of the importance of dialogue, patience, and respect for democratic norms in navigating election-related challenges. By working together, political leaders and their supporters can help ensure that the ongoing electoral process concludes in a manner that reflects the will of the people while preserving the peace and stability of the nation.
Ghanaians, as always, are urged to remain vigilant yet composed, contributing to a peaceful and credible electoral process that strengthens the country’s democratic foundations.
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