The period leading up to the December 7th elections is crucial, and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is gearing up for action. Following a call from the party’s National Chairman, the NDC plans to use democratic methods, including demonstrations, to pressure Electoral Commissioner Madam Jean Mensah to address issues with the voter register.
Joshua Hamid Akamba, the former National Chairman of the NDC, discussed this strategy on the Adekyee Mu Nsem morning show on Ahotor 92.3 FM, hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu in Accra. Akamba criticized the Electoral Commissioner, describing her as a challenging figure to work with. He emphasized the need for a unified effort from the NDC and civil society organizations to ensure that necessary reforms are made before and after the elections.
The NDC intends to escalate their efforts by picketing at the Electoral Commission’s office until the audit of the voter register is completed. Akamba stressed that the NDC, as a major stakeholder, will not allow the Electoral Commissioner to disregard the needs of Ghanaians, as was perceived to be the case in the December 2020 elections.
In a related development, the NDC has announced plans to stage nationwide demonstrations on September 17, 2024, in response to concerns about discrepancies in the voter register. These grievances emerged from a recent voter exhibition exercise, which revealed several irregularities.
Following a meeting with the Electoral Commission to discuss these concerns, the NDC requested a forensic audit of the register. However, this request was denied. Subsequently, after submitting presidential nomination forms for John Mahama, NDC Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah informed the media of the party’s decision to organize a nationwide protest.
On September 17, protesters will march to regional Electoral Commission offices in all 16 regional capitals. Additionally, national executives will present a formal petition at the EC’s headquarters in Accra.
Asiedu Nketiah emphasized, “On the 17th of this month [September], the NDC is embarking on a massive nationwide demonstration in all 16 regional capitals. We will also descend on the Electoral Commission headquarters in Accra to present further petitions, urging them to conduct themselves in a manner that guarantees a peaceful, free, and fair election.”
Story By: Alexander Kukah
