Sammy Adu Gyamfi, Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has accused Colonel Michael Kwadwo Opoku, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Central Command of the Ghana Armed Forces, of orchestrating an alleged election rigging plot for the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Gyamfi claimed that intelligence available to the NDC implicates Col. Opoku in the violent events during the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election, which caused significant harm to Ghanaian voters.
In a press conference today, Tuesday 19th November 2024, he further alleged that President Akufo-Addo has tasked Col. Opoku with leading a sophisticated scheme aimed at manipulating the December elections, particularly in the Ashanti Region.
Gyamfi accused the NPP of planning tactics such as ballot stuffing, swapping ballot boxes, and tampering with pink sheets to undermine the electoral process.
“Having relocated his family to the United Kingdom, Brigadier General Opoku has vowed to do all it takes to carry out his shady election-rigging plot in exchange for the position of Chief of Defense Staff in the unlikely event that the NPP wins the 2024 elections.
“So for him, it is personal. Those who know him will tell you that he openly brags that on December 7th and 2nd, he will kill NDC supporters like flies. The NDC has received reliable intel to the effect that BG Opoku is responsible for the training of NPP thugs…and he plans to cloth these bandits in military apparel to unleash violence on NDC agents, supporters, and innocent civilians”.
Sammy Adu Gyamfi
Sammy Gyamfi further acknowledged the efforts of many security personnel in Ghana who are committed to safeguarding citizens and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process in the upcoming December elections.
However, he expressed disappointment in Colonel Michael Kwadwo Opoku, accusing him of abandoning his professional duties to serve as an active operative for the NPP.
Gyamfi alleged that Col. Opoku has been openly raising funds for NPP-affiliated businessmen in Kumasi.
According to Gyamfi, credible intelligence from the NDC indicates that Col. Opoku’s residence in Kumasi is being used as a storage facility for weapons, illegally printed ballot papers, military uniforms, and other materials.
He indicated that these are allegedly intended to manipulate the election results. “When you hear Akufo-Addo say he will never hand over to Mahama, …this is their plan”.
Sammy Gyamfi Calls for Removal of Col Opoku Over Allegations
Furthermore, Sammy Adu Gyamfi demanded the immediate removal of Colonel Michael Kwadwo Opoku from his role as General Officer Commanding of the Central Command of the Ghana Armed Forces.
He argued that considering Col. Opoku’s track record, he is unfit to play any role in ensuring the peaceful and violence-free elections that Ghanaians expect.
Gyamfi emphasized that someone with Col. Opoku’s alleged misconduct should have no involvement in Ghana’s security apparatus, especially with the critical 2024 elections approaching.
“The NDC wishes to send a notice to Brigadier General Michael Opoku and his ilk in the NPP that we have them under our radar and we will continue to monitor them with eagle eyes.
“This time around, he and his ilk shall not succeed. Violence cannot and will not win the NPP in this year’s elections. The NDC calls on the Inspector General of Police not to allow any person to usurp his authority [as chairman of the Election Security Taskforce]. Ghanaians still await justice for the 8 people that were shot and killed during the 2020 elections”.
Sammy Adu Gyamfi
Sammy Gyamfi emphasized that no one should lose their life over elections, underscoring that elections are meant to reflect the free will of the people.
He, therefore, called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Election Security Taskforce to thoroughly investigate the alleged election rigging scheme involving Col. Opoku and the NPP.
Gyamfi stated that the IGP has a duty to Ghanaians to act with fairness and firmness, ensuring peace and security throughout and after the December 7th elections. “In this regard, we, in the NDC, assure him of our fullest cooperation”.
Sammy Gyamfi also urged the Chief of Defence Staff to launch an investigation into the matter and hold Brigadier General Michael Kwadwo Opoku accountable for his actions.
He alleged that credible intelligence from the NDC indicates Col. Opoku is undermining the authority of the Chief of Defence Staff, emboldened by support from President Akufo-Addo.
Gyamfi further stated that the NDC, along with the people of Ghana, will hold both the IGP and the Chief of Defence Staff responsible for any loss of life during the 2024 General Elections. “Elections are about counting heads and not cutting heads”.
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