In a bold and confidential memo dated October 30, 2024, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has called on its parliamentary caucus to be unyielding in the final stretch leading to the upcoming elections. The letter, signed by NDC General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, rallied the party’s MPs to remain vigilant and block any last-minute financial maneuvers by the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), warning that the stakes have never been higher.
The letter praised the NDC parliamentarians for their commitment to the Party’s principles and for their tireless efforts to regain a majority in Parliament. However, it also laid bare the NDC leadership’s deep concerns about recent actions by the government that could impact the fairness of the upcoming elections. Specifically, Kwetey urged the MPs to be cautious about the government’s push to approve over six hundred million Ghana cedis in new loans—a sum the NDC believes may be used to sway voters through a series of high-profile projects and initiatives in the months leading up to the polls.
The memo highlighted a growing fear within the NDC that the NPP might use these funds to finance road projects, school improvements, and even rapid recruitment into public sector roles, all aimed at securing voter loyalty. With these “last-minute gestures,” the NDC suspects the government is attempting to create a favourable perception among the public, hoping to tilt the electoral scales. The letter characterized these actions as a misuse of state resources for political gain and urged NDC MPs to resist any move that might allow such expenditures to go unchecked.
In a pointed reference to the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) program, the NDC letter criticized what it sees as reckless spending that could strain the nation’s finances, particularly with Ghana already facing significant debt challenges. The caucus was urged to keep an eye on the Free SHS budget, hinting that recent financial allocations toward the program seemed more like political gimmicks than genuine policy decisions.
The memo also conveyed a message of support from the Speaker of Parliament, who has allegedly promised to help the NDC block any moves perceived as unfairly favouring the NPP. With an important ruling from the Supreme Court on the horizon, the NDC has made it clear that it will do whatever it takes to prevent any ruling that could offer the ruling party an advantage. According to Kwetey, this election is a defining moment for the NDC, and the party is leaving “no avenue unexplored” in its bid to ensure a fair and transparent process.
In conclusion, the letter called for tactical cooperation among the NDC’s parliamentarians, urging them to remain steadfast as the elections approach. The underlying message was clear: the 2024 elections are critical, and the NDC is prepared to fight for what it believes is a rightful path to victory.
Story by : Mercy Addai Turkson
