At the launch of the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) 2024 national campaign in Tamale, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, the National Chairman of the NDC, issued a stern call to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, urging him to set a peaceful tone for the upcoming elections.
Mr Nketiah’s speech was a robust appeal for electoral integrity and a direct challenge to the president’s leadership, emphasizing the crucial role President Akufo-Addo plays in ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process.
“We have heard what you have said on your political platform. We are not NPP people. So we take it that you are addressing your party faithful. Come and speak as a President of the Republic of Ghana and give us assurances that you are interested in peaceful and transparent elections. And when the people decide and vote against your party, you are ready to hand over power”.
Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, National Chairman, NDC
The National Chairman of the opposition party further called on President Akufo-Addo to prevent his appointees from abusing their power for political gain, warning that any such actions would be met with resistance.
“Mr President, we beg you. You are the commander-in-chief of the Ghana Armed Forces… You are the one giving the wrong instructions. Own up and tell them that the power of the masses is stronger than any army or police in the whole world”.
ohnson Asiedu Nketiah, National Chairman, NDC
Appeal to the Council of State and National Peace Council
Furthermore, Mr Nketiah addressed the Council of State and the National Peace Council, urging them to fulfill their advisory roles and uphold their responsibilities during this critical period.
He implored the Council of State to stand up and advise the president appropriately, without fear or favor to protect the sanctity of the country’s democratic governance.
“The nation is in crisis. We are going into a crucial election. Justify the reason why we put in place. You were not put in place to bootlick the President.
“You were put in place to advise the president because we know there will be a time when we will have a recalcitrant president; there will be a time when we will have a president who does not listen to the masses. That is why we established the Council of State. Please stand out and be counted. Do your duty and work now or you have yourself to be blamed”.
Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, National Chairman, NDC
To the National Peace Council, Mr. Nketiah stressed the need for proactive measures to ensure peace, admonishing the National Peace Council to act like its name, the “Peace Council”.
According to him, the National Peace Council was not established to appeal to the emotions of the wrong people, appeal to the oppressed, or guarantee the peace of the oppressor.
“We establish you to speak the truth. Tell whoever is not conducting himself well, whoever is moving on a dangerous path to create problems for this nation. So if you are interested in peace, and you want to act according to your name, please be proactive. When you see the early warnings, don’t wait for anybody to wake you from your slumber. Stand up. Speak out. And be counted by posterity”.
Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, National Chairman, NDC
Message to Security Services
Mr Nketiah’s speech included a pointed message to the heads of the security services, urging them to uphold their oath to protect the interests of Ghanaians rather than any particular regime.
He admonished them to stay true to their oath to protect the interest of Ghanaians as they did not swear to protect the interest of any regime that is in power for the time being.
He encouraged them to resist undue pressure and to act with integrity, emphasizing, “On the day of accountability, you will not have the president who is pressurizing now to do the wrong thing to come to your defense”.
“You cannot be following wrong instructions under the excuse that power from above, or order from above. There is no order from above. No order from above. You took an oath to serve this country that you stand up and defend the country and put your life at stake. So please, we beg you; We trust you.
“You are the unsung heroes of this, our 4th Republican democracy. Peaceful transitions have happened because of you, after all, you did not look for wrong things to be done in the past”.
Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, National Chairman, NDC
Endorsement of John Dramani Mahama
Concluding his speech, the National Chairman of the opposition party endorsed former President John Dramani Mahama as the leader who can guide Ghana out of its current difficulties.
He highlighted Mr Mahama’s attributes of truthfulness, vision, and trustworthiness, positioning him as the ideal candidate for the presidency.
“We in NDC believe that President John Dramani Mahama satisfies all the criteria for leadership”, Mr Nketiah affirmed.
Mr Nketiah emphasized the importance of truthfulness in leadership, drawing parallels with religious leaders who must be honest and trustworthy.
He urged the electorate to consider these qualities when choosing their next leader, underscoring the NDC’s belief in former President John Dramani Mahama’s suitability for the presidency.
The launch of the NDC’s 2024 campaign in Tamale marks the beginning of a highly anticipated and crucial electoral contest.
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