The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Chairman, Hon Johnson Aseidu Nketia, has set six crucial conditions for signing the peace pact, and rightly so. These preconditions are a necessary safeguard against the Electoral Commission’s (EC) and the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) history of manipulation and bias. The NDC’s demands are a testament to our commitment to ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections in 2024.
The Ayawaso Commission’s recommendations, which the NDC demands be fully implemented, are a stark reminder of the EC’s past failures. The commission’s findings highlighted the need for accountability and reforms to prevent future electoral violence. By insisting on prosecution for those responsible for the 2020 election killings and illegal ballot paper printing, the NDC is advocating for justice and a level playing field.
Furthermore, the NDC’s call for transparent addressing of the missing BVD equipment at the EC’s office is a direct response to the commission’s history of opacity and unaccountability. The public has a right to know what happened to the equipment, and the NDC is right to demand satisfactory answers.
The President’s public declaration to accept the will of the people in the 2024 general elections is a vital precondition. Given the President’s past statements, which have raised concerns about his commitment to democratic principles, this demand is essential. The NDC is ensuring that the President is held accountable for his actions and words.
Lastly, the signatures from the President, Chief Justice, Attorney General, and IGP on the LGBTQ document may seem unrelated to elections, but it speaks to the broader issue of manipulation and bias. By demanding their signatures, the NDC is pushing back against the government’s attempts to use divisive issues to distract from their electoral manipulation tactics.
In conclusion, the NDC’s preconditions are a necessary shield against the EC and NPP’s manipulation tactics. By setting these conditions, the NDC is protecting Ghana’s democracy and ensuring that the 2024 elections are free, fair, and transparent. The peace council must take these demands seriously and work towards addressing them to restore trust in them as well as our electoral process.
Let no one fault the NDC on the repercussions of any disregard to these demands going into the elections knowing very well what may or may not occur and I edge the leadership of the party to not be divisive on this matter rather, rally behind the venerable Chairman to insist on equity, justice and fairness for us all once and for all.
Lawrence Roland Arthur
Accra-Ghana
21st August 2024