The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Mining Committee has vehemently denied allegations by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) that it is recruiting thugs in the Obuasi East Constituency to disrupt the upcoming December 7, elections.
In a rebuttal issued after the allegations surfaced, Samuel Hadjor, NDC’s Mining Committee Secretary reaffirmed the NDC’s commitment to peaceful elections. He criticized the NPP for what he described as an attempt to tarnish the party’s image and undermine its credibility.
“On November 12, 2024, the NDC Mining Committee held a public mining conference at Mawuli Hotel in Obuasi.
“The purpose of this conference was to introduce and discuss the NDC’s mining policy document with miners and stakeholders.”
Samuel Hadjor, NDC’s Mining Committee Secretary
Hadjor emphasized that the event was far from clandestine, as alleged by the NPP. He noted that it was widely advertised and covered by major media outlets. The conference coincided with Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign tour in the Obuasi area, making it implausible for the event to have been a covert operation.
“This was an open event attended by prominent dignitaries, including former Ashanti Regional Minister Alexander Ackon and former MCE for Obuasi, Richard Kwasi Ofori Buadi, also known as Zuba. These baseless allegations by the NPP should be treated with the contempt they deserve,” Hadjor added.
Hadjor suggested that the NPP’s accusations were motivated by fear and frustration. According to him, the NPP is struggling to regain the trust of mining communities due to its poor handling of mining policies and challenges facing small-scale miners.
“The NDC’s mining policy has brought hope to miners and small-scale operators, making the NPP apprehensive about losing support,” he said. “Instead of addressing their failures, they are resorting to baseless propaganda.”
These claims, initially made by NPP National Organizer Nana Boakye, popularly known as Nana B, have sparked heated exchanges between the two leading political parties in Ghana as the nation approaches a critical election period.
Nana Boakye alleged that the NDC was conducting private security training under the guise of legitimate activities in the constituency.
However, the NDC Mining Committee, through its Secretary Samuel Hadjor, dismissed the accusations as baseless and unfounded, urging the public to disregard them.
Call for Peaceful Elections
Amid the growing tension, Samuel Hadjor reiterated the NDC’s unwavering commitment to a peaceful electoral process. He called on Ghanaians to focus on the issues that matter and avoid being swayed by baseless accusations.
“The NDC is committed to peace and stability. We will not engage in activities that threaten the security of this country.
“On December 7, 2024, we encourage Ghanaians to vote massively for John Dramani Mahama and all NDC parliamentary candidates.”
Samuel Hadjor, NDC’s Mining Committee Secretary
He also called on miners nationwide to reject the NPP and support the NDC’s vision for a reformed mining sector. According to Hadjor, the NDC’s policies prioritize the welfare of miners and their communities, in contrast to the NPP’s alleged failures.
The allegations and the NDC’s firm rebuttal come at a time of heightened political activity, as both parties intensify their campaigns ahead of the December 7 polls.
The accusations have added another layer of tension to the already charged atmosphere, with observers cautioning against inflammatory rhetoric that could escalate into violence.
Ghana has long been praised as a beacon of democracy in Africa, with a history of peaceful transitions of power. However, recent elections have seen increased polarization, raising concerns among civil society organizations and international observers about the need to safeguard the nation’s democratic credentials.
Ghanaians will ultimately have the final say, deciding between the competing narratives and policies presented by the two dominant parties. Until then, the nation watches closely as the campaign trail heats up.
READ ALSO: IMF Board to Approve $360 Million Disbursement to Ghana After Third Review
