Afenyo Markin Accuses NDC of Trying to Destroy Election Evidence and Intimidating NPP Members

The Majority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has accused the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) of orchestrating a systematic campaign to intimidate members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and destroy vital election evidence, particularly pink sheets.

At a press conference held on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, Afenyo-Markin revealed disturbing reports of harassment and threats directed at NPP officials. He provided a specific example involving Akua Afriye, the NPP parliamentary candidate for Ablekuma North, who was reportedly surrounded by a group of individuals at her home while they searched for election documents, including pink sheets. The situation became tense as the group’s actions escalated, forcing Afriye to flee her home. In response to the escalating threat, the police intervened to ensure her safety.

Afenyo-Markin emphasized that this incident was part of a larger, coordinated effort by the NDC to destroy evidence that could potentially challenge the election results. According to him, this kind of intimidation and evidence destruction is not only an attack on individual party members but also a direct assault on the democratic process. He questioned the motivations behind the NDC’s actions, asking, “Why is the NDC so determined to destroy evidence? Why are they targeting pink sheets to set them on fire?” He stressed that such actions go against the fundamental principles of democracy, as the destruction of evidence undermines the integrity of the electoral process.

Furthermore, Afenyo-Markin reported that other NPP officials, including Members of Parliament and constituency leaders, were also being harassed and threatened due to their possession of election-related documents. He expressed his concern that these threats and acts of intimidation were part of a larger, well-organized campaign by the NDC to suppress any evidence that could potentially dispute the election results. Afenyo-Markin’s allegations highlighted the seriousness of the situation, as NPP members, including those in leadership positions, were reportedly targeted in an attempt to prevent them from presenting any materials that could challenge the NDC’s victory.

In light of these developments, Afenyo-Markin called on President-elect John Dramani Mahama to intervene and bring an end to the alleged campaign of intimidation and harassment. He suggested that some members of the NDC, who were behind the alleged harassment, may have been promised high-ranking government positions, which could be fueling their actions. This, he argued, further suggests that there may be deeper political motives behind the attacks on NPP officials.

Additionally, Afenyo-Markin raised concerns over the alleged falsification of election results in certain constituencies. He specifically mentioned the Ablekuma Central constituency, where he claimed that an unauthorized individual had been called to announce election results on behalf of the NDC, which he argued could be an attempt to manipulate the electoral outcome. Afenyo-Markin’s statements pointed to what he believed were irregularities in the conduct of the election, calling into question the authenticity of the results in these constituencies.

The Majority Leader’s remarks reflect growing frustration within the NPP over what they see as attempts by the NDC to undermine the electoral process and intimidate those who could challenge the results. His accusations are likely to heighten tensions between the two major political parties, as the NPP continues to push for greater transparency and accountability in the handling of election materials and results.

Afenyo-Markin’s call for President-elect Mahama to intervene underscores the gravity of the situation, as the NPP seeks to ensure that any attempts to suppress or destroy evidence are thoroughly investigated. He has urged the new administration to take swift action to prevent further intimidation and harassment of NPP members and to uphold the democratic principles of transparency and fairness in the electoral process.

Afenyo-Markin’s accusations point to a larger pattern of alleged intimidation and evidence destruction by the NDC, with serious implications for the integrity of the election results. His call for intervention from the incoming administration highlights the urgency of addressing these concerns and ensuring that the democratic process remains free from interference or manipulation. As the political landscape in Ghana continues to evolve, the NPP is calling for accountability and transparency, urging that all allegations of electoral misconduct be fully investigated to safeguard the integrity of future elections.