With just days to the December 7, 2024, general elections, the Council of Elders of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has issued a clarion call for peace, vigilance, and mass mobilization, emphasizing the importance of a fair electoral process.
Hon. Alhaji Mahama Iddrisu, Chairman of the Council, in a statement, articulated the party’s expectations, concerns, and strategies as the nation heads into what is anticipated to be a decisive election.
“As party elders, we deem it appropriate to add our voices to the calls for peaceful elections. A few days ago, our presidential candidate, former President John Mahama, joined other contestants in signing a pact to work in the interest of peace.”
Hon. Alhaji Mahama Iddrisu, Chairman, Council of Elders of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
Citing incidents from Ayawaso in 2019 and Techiman South in 2020, Alhaji Iddrisu highlighted a history of electoral violence allegedly linked to the NPP, accusing the ruling party of masterminding mayhem on the day of the election.
“The NPP does not play by the rules,” he remarked. He urged the government to abstain from using vigilante groups and party loyalists disguised as national security operatives to intimidate voters, stressing that such actions undermine the credibility of elections and threaten national stability.
Allegations of Vote Buying and Abuse of Incumbency
The National Council of Elders of the opposition party further criticized what it described as desperate, last-minute gestures by the Akufo-Addo government to sway voters. From road repairs to cash handouts, the Council labelled these efforts as “insults to the intelligence of Ghanaians and flagrant abuse of incumbency”.
“For almost eight years, the NPP government has fleeced and impoverished Ghanaians, stolen from the pensions of the aged, destroyed businesses, kept our roads in a deplorable state, and paid workers poorly with the excuse that the country is broke.
“Suddenly, we see the NPP government repairing roads on the eve of the elections and found money to distribute to voters whom they have kept hungry and deprived for years”.
Hon. Alhaji Mahama Iddrisu, Chairman, Council of Elders of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
The NDC’s campaign has been characterized by widespread enthusiasm and grassroots volunteerism, which the Council of Elders praised as unprecedented. “The spirit of sacrifice and personal initiatives has been overwhelming,” the statement noted.
The Council encouraged party supporters to intensify voter education, ensure proper thumbprinting on ballots, and maintain vigilance at polling stations to safeguard the integrity of the vote.
Polling agents were reminded of their critical role in protecting the democratic process, described as a “call to national duty.” The Council urged them to remain loyal and committed as the party prepares to “oust this government that has inflicted much pain and hardship on Ghanaians”.
A Rallying Cry for Change
Positioning the 2024 election as a turning point for Ghana, the Council declared it a battle to rescue democracy and restore integrity to public institutions.
It called on Ghanaians to embrace the opportunity for a “reset” by voting for former President John Dramani Mahama, whom it described as a leader committed to national interest and equity. “This is a peculiar moment in our history… Enough of the eight years of impunity, corruption, greed, arrogance, and nepotism,” Hon. Alhaji Iddrisu declared.
Electoral Commission Under Scrutiny
A significant portion of the Council’s address focused on the Electoral Commission (EC), whose operations have come under fire for alleged inefficiencies.
Recent controversies, including a last-minute reprinting of ballot papers for special voting in the Western and Eastern Regions, the Council described as emblematic of the EC’s mismanagement.
“The public finds it difficult to trust the EC’s assurances of a robust and transparent election,” the statement noted. The Council reminded the EC of its responsibility to ensure accuracy in tabulating results and avoid a repeat of the inconsistencies observed in the 2020 elections.
Stressing its call for change, the National Council of Elders of the opposition NDC urged all eligible voters to turn out early and cast their ballots decisively for former President John Mahama and NDC parliamentary candidates.
“Let us win this election for Ghana together,” the Council concluded, emphasizing the need for vigilance and collective resolve to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process.
READ ALSO: Databank Projects 50% Growth for GSE in 2025, Led by Banking Stocks
