The governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has strongly condemned the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) for its refusal to sign a peace declaration ahead of the 2024 general elections.
In a statement signed by the NPP’s General Secretary, Justin Frempong Kodua, the party expressed deep concern over comments made by NDC National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, describing them as “worrying and incendiary.”
The NPP finds this position alarming, as it believes that such statements have the potential to incite political tensions and undermine the country’s peace and security.
“For instance, despite challenging the outcome of the 2012 general elections results in court and having doubts about the neutrality of the Electoral Commission, the NPP, guided by the overarching national interest, still committed to the Peace Accord in 2016.”
Justin Frempong Kodua, NPP’s General Secretary
The NPP assured Ghanaians that it would continue to prioritize the nation’s peace, regardless of the election’s outcome. The NPP’s statement was a response to remarks attributed to Mr. Asiedu Nketia during his appearance on a tv interview.
The NPP emphasized its unwavering commitment to ensuring peace and stability in Ghana before, during, and after the upcoming elections. The party reiterated its dedication to maintaining the country’s peace, a principle it claims to have upheld since the inception of the Fourth Republic.
The NPP cited its historical adherence to peace accords, even in situations where it had legitimate concerns about electoral processes or outcomes.
The NPP’s statement highlighted the party’s history of resorting to appropriate channels, such as the courts, the Peace Council, and the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC), to address electoral grievances.
The party claimed that its commitment to peace is evident in its consistent participation in peace accords, regardless of whether it is in power or in opposition.
The NPP also pointed out the irony in the NDC’s stance, noting that despite the party’s refusal to sign the peace declaration, it continues to be represented in key national bodies like the Peace Council, IPAC, and national security meetings. The NPP questioned why the NDC is unwilling to maintain a principled stance on Ghana’s peace and stability, given its involvement in these platforms.
Call for NDC to Reconsider Its Stance
In its statement, the NPP called on the NDC to reconsider its stance on the peace declaration, urging the opposition party to prioritize the national interest over partisan concerns.
The NPP expressed worry that the NDC’s leadership has consistently been preparing its supporters to reject the 2024 election results, predicting an inevitable loss for the party.
The NPP appealed to the NDC to refrain from making statements that could exacerbate political tensions and called on the National Peace Council, Civil Society Organisations, Religious and Traditional Authorities, and all well-meaning Ghanaians to join in condemning the NDC’s position.
“By the grace of God, Ghana will not experience any war regardless of the outcome of the 2024 general elections. The will of the Ghanaians will always prevail.”
Justin Frempong Kodua, NPP’s General Secretary
This development marks a significant point in Ghana’s political discourse as the country gears up for the 2024 elections. The stance taken by the NDC has raised concerns about the potential impact on the electoral process and the broader implications for national stability.
As the political climate heats up, all eyes are on both parties to navigate these challenges while ensuring the preservation of Ghana’s democratic values and peace.
READ ALSO: GSE Encourages State-Owned Enterprises to List as GCGL Prepares for IPO
