Dec. 7 is a battle to restore democracy – NDC Council of Elders

Ahead of Ghana’s December 7 elections, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Council of Elders has reiterated the party’s unwavering commitment to ensuring a peaceful electoral process while emphasizing its determination to hold the ruling government accountable for its lack of fairness and integrity.

In a statement issued to the media, Alhaji Mahama Iddrisu, Chairman of the Council, underscored the critical importance of conducting free and fair elections, urging all Ghanaians to remain alert and united as they approach the polls.

On behalf of the NDC, the Council expressed deep concerns regarding the government’s commitment to upholding peace, particularly in light of recent peace agreements signed by presidential candidates. The NDC questioned the sincerity of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), pointing to past instances of electoral violence in Ayawaso and Techiman during the 2019 and 2020 elections. The NDC expressed fears that similar tactics might be used again in the upcoming polls.

“The government is desperate; it knows its time is running out, and it is doing everything it can to hold on to power. While the call for change is growing across the country, there are serious concerns about the Akufo-Addo NPP government’s ability to conduct a fair and transparent election, free from intimidation and the abuse of state power,” the statement read.

“For nearly eight years, the NPP government has failed the Ghanaian people—siphoning funds from pensioners, crippling businesses, neglecting our roads, and underpaying workers, all while claiming the country is broke. Now, just before elections, they are hastily repairing roads and distributing money to voters they’ve neglected for years. These actions insult the intelligence of the Ghanaian people and represent a blatant abuse of the democratic process. On December 7th, Ghanaians will teach them a lesson. No one should take Ghanaians for granted.”

While acknowledging the security efforts of the Ghana Police Service and the National Elections Task Force, the NDC called on the government to cease using vigilante groups under the guise of national security to intimidate voters.

The party also urged the Electoral Commission (EC) to take its duties seriously, pointing to recent concerns over mismanagement in the reprinting of ballot papers for special voting in the Western and Eastern regions. The NDC raised doubts about the transparency of the EC, recalling the issues with vote tallying and shifting percentages during the 2020 election.

At the core of the Council’s statement was a call to action for party members and supporters. The Council urged polling agents to remain steadfast in their duties, emphasizing their critical role in securing the future of Ghana’s youth and restoring good governance. The Council also praised the relentless efforts of the NDC leadership in safeguarding the interests of the party and its supporters.

With Election Day fast approaching, the NDC is ramping up voter education and mobilization efforts. “This is no time for complacency,” the Council stressed. “The price of success is eternal vigilance, and we must all be on the ground, ensuring that the will of the people is honored.”

As the election draws nearer, the NDC Council of Elders called on Ghanaians to stay resolute in their demand for change and to vote for a future that prioritizes the well-being of the people.