NCCE condemns Ofosu Ampofo over leaked audio

The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has condemned the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo over leaked audio which he was said to be conspiring with party members to harm political opponents.

On the recording, Ofosu Ampofo is heard urging people to take the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Jean Adukwei Mensa to the 'cleaners'. The voice also endorsed verbal attacks on the National Peace Council Chairman, Reverend Emmanuel Asante.

The audio tape also suggests that abductions and kidnappings could be used to silence political opponents.

NCCE in a press statement copied to Ghanaweb expressed concern stating that “The Commission unequivocally condemns the contents of the tape. The NCCE reminds the NDC and all political parties to conduct their activities in accordance with the tenets of the 1992 Constitution and the law. Unguarded utterances that have the potential to create fear and panic should be condemned in no uncertain terms by all and not be allowed to fester in Ghana's democracy”.

They further commended the Ghana Police Service for their swift response in extending an invitation to Ofosu Ampofo and called on them to expedite investigations to ascertain the veracity of the matter.

Moreover, NCCE added that they “welcome the preparedness of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to submit to calls by Ghanaians to end the scourge of Political Party Vigilantism in Ghana’s democracy” and called on citizens to rally behind the efforts of state institutions and CSOs to finding a lasting solution the matter.

Read below the full statement

NCCE WELCOMES POSITIVE OUTLOOK FOR RESOLVING POLITICAL PARTY VIGILANTISM

The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) welcomes the preparedness of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to submit to calls by Ghanaians to end the scourge of Political Party Vigilantism in Ghana’s democracy.

The Commission calls on all well-meaning Ghanaians to rally behind the efforts of State Institutions and Civil Society Organisations to finding a lasting solution to this matter.

The Commission therefore calls on politicians and political parties to act in good faith in seeking national interest above partisan interest. The NCCE, with support of Ghanaians is committed to playing a pivotal role in stamping out political violence and nurturing governance on the tenets of democracy for the collective benefit of Ghanaians and nation building. #



In this regard, the Commission after multiple stakeholder engagements is poised to facilitate a process of dialogue among the parties and relevant stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the menace of political violence and associated party militia activity.

However, the NCCE also expresses concern about an audio tape circulating in the media purported to be the voice of the Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). In the said tape, the Chairman is alleged to have made statements at a meeting that have the potential to threaten the security of individuals, the State, our elections and Ghana's democracy.

The Commission unequivocally condemns the contents of the tape. The NCCE reminds the NDC and all political parties to conduct their activities in accordance with the tenets of the 1992 Constitution and the law. Unguarded utterances that have the potential to create fear and panic should be condemned in no uncertain terms by all and not be allowed to fester in Ghana's democracy.

The NCCE notes the swiftness with which the Ghana Police Service has invited the NDC Chairman for questioning. We urge the Ghana Police Service to expedite investigations to ascertain the veracity of the matter. Also, we are confident that the police is working assiduously to conclude investigations on the NDC Ashanti Regional shooting incident.

The Commission reiterates the need for political parties and all Ghanaians to uphold the rule of law, respect the rights of all citizens and work towards safeguarding the peace, security and stability of Ghana's Constitutional democracy.

God Bless Our Homeland Ghana and Make Our Nation Great and Strong.

Samuel Asare Akuamoah (Mr.)

(Deputy Chairman, Operations)