The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has firmly rejected allegations by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) that it plans to rig the 2024 general elections and incite violence to secure victory.

The accusations, which have heightened political tensions in Ghana, were described as baseless and lacking evidence by NPP officials during a press conference on Wednesday, November 20, 2024.

Henry Nana Boakye, the National Organiser of the NPP, assured the public that the party is committed to peaceful elections and the preservation of Ghana’s democratic values. His remarks sought to reassure Ghanaians and respond to allegations made by the NDC in a prior media engagement.

Addressing the press, Henry Nana Boakye emphasized the NPP’s dedication to maintaining Ghana’s reputation as a beacon of democracy in Africa. He highlighted the nation’s track record of free, fair, and transparent elections, stating, “Ghana’s democracy has been a shining light on the African continent, ensuring peace, stability, and progress.”

Boakye categorically dismissed claims that the NPP was orchestrating a strategy to rig the December 2024 elections. According to him, such assertions are unfounded and serve only to undermine public confidence in the electoral process.

He reassured voters that the NPP remains committed to upholding the sanctity of the election process, where every vote counts and is transparently tallied.

He also took a swipe at former President John Mahama, the NDC’s flagbearer for the 2024 elections, stating, “We shall not sacrifice our wishes for any leader who had his chance and failed miserably with it. History does not favour John Mahama, and the future will not favour Ghanaians under John Mahama.”

Allegations of NDC’s Own Plans for Violence

In a sharp counter-accusation, the NPP alleged that the NDC is the party planning to disrupt the electoral process through violence and intimidation.

Boakye claimed that the NPP had uncovered “disturbing plans” by the NDC to create chaos as part of a strategy to intimidate voters and sabotage the elections. He warned that such actions would not be tolerated, and the NPP would take every legal and constitutional step to protect the integrity of the election.

Boakye’s statements reflect a growing narrative within the NPP that the NDC’s allegations are a preemptive attempt to deflect attention from their own activities.

“The NPP will use all means to safeguard the sanctity of the December 7 election and defend Ghana’s democracy,” Boakye declared.

The allegations from the NDC that prompted the NPP’s response were raised at a press conference on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. Sammy Gyamfi, the NDC’s National Communication Officer, expressed concerns about potential electoral malpractice in the Ashanti Region—a stronghold of the NPP.

The NDC accused a senior military officer in charge of the Central Command of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) of collaborating with the government to rig the election.

The exchange of accusations between the two major political parties comes as Ghana gears up for its general elections on December 7, 2024. The stakes are high, with both the NPP and NDC vying for control of the presidency and parliament in what is expected to be a fiercely contested election.

The accusations highlight long-standing concerns about the potential for electoral violence and the role of security forces in Ghana’s elections. The Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election, mentioned by the NDC, remains a significant flashpoint in Ghana’s recent political history, with widespread condemnation of the violence that marred the event.

Civil society organizations and election observers have called for greater vigilance and transparency from all stakeholders, urging political parties to prioritize peace and stability over partisan interests.

As the December elections draw near, the role of the Electoral Commission, security agencies, and civil society will be crucial in ensuring that Ghana’s democratic legacy remains untarnished. Ghanaians, who have long prided themselves on their democratic credentials, will be watching closely to ensure that the process reflects their collective will.