The Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to publicly affirm his commitment to ensuring peaceful, fair, and transparent 2024 elections.
Speaking to a packed crowd at the Jubilee Park in Tamale during the 2024 Campaign launch of the party on Saturday, July 27, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, stressed the importance of a smooth transition of power and urged the President to follow the example set by his predecessors.
He emphasized the responsibility of the President to ensure a transparent and peaceful electoral process.
He stated, “As your heart desires that your party the New Patriotic Party (NPP) will win elections, it is your responsibility to ensure a transparent and peaceful transition to the incoming president without a drop of blood.”
“We are yet to hear a clear message from you, Mr. President, committing yourself to peaceful, fair, and transparent 2024 elections and respecting the wishes of Ghanaians.”
Asiedu Nketiah drew attention to the actions of former Presidents Rawlings, Kufuor, Atta Mills, and Mahama, who each declared their preparedness to hand over power well before the elections.
“Four months is too short,” he said. “President Rawlings declared his preparedness to hand over power to anybody who will win the elections one clear year before the elections. Kufuor, Atta Mills and Mahama did the same,” he added.
Addressing comments made by President Akufo-Addo at an NPP rally, the NDC Chairman urged the President to speak as the father of the nation rather than a party leader.
“Come out and speak as a father of the nation. You must set the tone for this election,” he declared.
“If the election is not going to be peaceful and you want to destroy the country, let it come from your mouth on a presidential platform,” he added.
Asidedu Nketiah also urged President Akufo-Addo to instruct his appointees to refrain from abusing their power for political gain, warning that such actions would be resisted.
According to him, as the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, President Akufo-Addo’s words to the security sector about peace and transparent elections will be obeyed.
He reminded the President of the power of the people, asserting, “The power of the masses is stronger than any army in the whole world.”