Asiedu Nketiah Urges Peace Council to Hold Electoral Commission Accountable

Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has called on the National Peace Council and other influential stakeholders to intervene and press the Electoral Commission (EC) to expedite the declaration of the results for the 2024 Ghanaian presidential election. He stressed the importance of ensuring the process is accurate and transparent, to not only uphold the integrity of Ghana’s democracy but also to preserve peace across the nation.

Ahead of the December 7 elections, the National Peace Council had played a key role in facilitating the signing of a peace pact by the two major political parties, the NDC and the New Patriotic Party (NPP). The pact was meant to ensure a peaceful electoral process, with both parties committing to respect the outcome of the elections. While the NDC voiced concerns over the neutrality of the Peace Council, arguing that the initiative lacked inclusivity and was not a truly balanced effort, the NDC’s flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, signed the peace agreement, demonstrating the party’s commitment to democratic principles and peace in the country.

Speaking at a press briefing on Sunday, December 8, 2024, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah expressed frustration with the Electoral Commission’s failure to declare the results hours after polls had closed. Despite the NPP flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, publicly conceding defeat and congratulating Mahama on his victory earlier that day, the EC had yet to make any formal announcement. This delay has caused mounting tensions in various parts of the country, with reports of sporadic violence in some areas. The NDC leader emphasized that the Electoral Commission’s prolonged silence was creating unnecessary uncertainty and unrest.

Asiedu Nketiah reassured the public that the NDC firmly believed in its victory and had full confidence in the process, even as it expressed its dissatisfaction with the delay. The NDC’s position remains clear: it is committed to ensuring the peaceful transition of power and working in the best interest of the country. However, the party has also made it clear that it will not allow any delay or mismanagement of the electoral process to undermine Ghana’s democratic values.

The NDC’s call for the Peace Council’s intervention reflects its concern over the potential consequences of continued delays. The Electoral Commission, which is responsible for overseeing the elections and declaring the results, has come under increasing pressure from both political parties and citizens to act quickly. With tensions rising, there are fears that any further delays in announcing the results could lead to even more unrest, particularly as the public anxiously awaits confirmation of the election outcome.

Asiedu Nketiah urged the Peace Council and other key stakeholders to hold the Electoral Commission accountable, ensuring that it adheres to its legal responsibilities and fulfills its obligations in a timely and transparent manner. The public and political parties alike have expressed concern over the apparent lack of communication and clarity from the EC, which has only added to the anxiety and frustration surrounding the election process.

While the NPP’s flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s concession speech indicated a commitment to a peaceful transfer of power, the delay in the declaration of results has kept the political landscape in a state of uncertainty. As the EC continues the process of collating results, the NDC and the broader public are calling for transparency and accountability. There is a widespread expectation that the Electoral Commission will act swiftly to finalize the process, thereby restoring confidence in Ghana’s democratic institutions.

Asiedu Nketiah’s comments and the NDC’s call for the Peace Council’s intervention highlight the importance of upholding Ghana’s democratic integrity. The prompt and accurate declaration of the election results is crucial not only for political stability but also for the continued peaceful coexistence of Ghanaians. As the nation awaits the final decision, stakeholders across the political spectrum are calling on the EC to ensure that the will of the people is respected, and that Ghana’s democracy remains robust and secure for the future.