The National Democratic Congress (NDC), the party leadership, led by its National Chairman, Honourable Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has officially filed the 2024 Presidential Nomination Forms on behalf of former President John Dramani Mahama and her running mate Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang.
Accompanied by a high-powered delegation, including General Secretary Honourable Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, Director of IT and Elections Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, and former Presidential Advisor Dr. Valerie Sawyer, the NDC presented its case for the upcoming general elections with a message of readiness, hope, and accountability.
The filing ceremony, held at the Electoral Commission’s offices, marks a crucial step in the party’s bid to return to power, with John Dramani Mahama as the presidential candidate and Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang as the vice-presidential candidate.
In his address, Honourable Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, speaking on behalf of the NDC’s Presidential Candidate, former President Mahama, emphasized the NDC’s commitment to ensuring free and fair elections, expressing confidence that Professor Opoku-Agyemang would make history as Ghana’s first female Vice President.
“As required by law, we are here to submit the nomination forms for our Presidential Candidate, John Dramani Mahama, and Vice Presidential Candidate, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang”.
Honourable Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, National Chairman, NDC
The National Chairman of the opposition party also submitted to the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Ghana, Madam Jean Mensa, the banker’s draft covering the filing fees for all its 276 parliamentary candidates across the country.
He also expressed optimism that the Electoral Commission would notify its district offices to avoid potential confusion over the payment of filing fees at the local level, urging the commission to ensure seamless communication.
Honourable Asiedu Nketiah further underscored the party’s expectation that the submitted documents would be meticulously reviewed, paving the way for a formal declaration that former President Mahama had fully complied with the necessary requirements.
Electoral Commission’s Response
Madam Jean Mensa, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, warmly welcomed the NDC delegation and reiterated the Commission’s commitment to transparency and efficiency in the upcoming elections.
In her brief address, Madam Mensa acknowledged the historic nature of the day, remarking, “Indeed, this is the day that the Lord has made, and we rejoice in it.”
She highlighted improvements to the nomination process since 2020, stressing the benefits of an extended filing period, which is expected to reduce tensions and streamline operations.
“As the Returning Officer for the 2024 Presidential Election, I will now receive your forms”, Madam Mensa said, assuring the delegation that the forms would be vetted promptly and that the Commission would contact the party soon with any outcomes.
Calls for Transparency in Electoral Processes
Honourable Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, speaking with the press shortly after the exercise, addressed key concerns surrounding the electoral process, notably external support to strengthen the Electoral Commission’s IT systems.
He pointed to past instances where international organizations, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), had played a role in enhancing the credibility of the electoral register without controversy.
“If those external parties are helping by way of funding to get consultants to review the IT system to ensure trust in the register, why would there be a problem?” Hon. Asiedu Nketiah questioned, recalling the positive outcomes of previous elections supported by external reviews.
He also addressed lingering issues surrounding the integrity of the voters’ register, particularly concerns about the inclusion of incorrect names.
Honourable Johnson Asiedu Nketiah called for a comprehensive approach to resolving these issues, invoking the example of public forums held during previous election cycles that provided a platform for all parties to air their grievances.
He emphasized that a transparent review process would be key to ensuring nationwide confidence in the 2024 elections.
In response to the perceived lack of action on certain electoral irregularities, Honourable Asiedu Nketiah announced the NDC’s intention to embark on a series of peaceful nationwide demonstrations.
Set for the 17th of the month, these protests will target Electoral Commission offices in all 16 regional capitals to demand fair and credible elections.
The demonstrations, according to Hon. Asiedu Nketiah, are aimed at ensuring that the Electoral Commission addresses concerns raised by the party and other stakeholders.
“Our peaceful, free, and fair elections are non-negotiable,” he said, adding that the NDC would continue to hold the Electoral Commission accountable to uphold its mandate.
He also called on the media to remain vigilant and follow the party’s efforts in the lead-up to the demonstrations.
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