NDC calls for peace

The National Democratic Congress wishes to commend its sympathisers and Ghanaians in general for the peaceful manner they have conducted themselves throughout the election process culminating in the announcement by the Electoral Commission today.

The party is particularly grateful for the massive show of support across the country, which has led to a majority in Parliament and a winning of the Presidential polls in six out of the ten regions.

More significant however is that the NDC did exceptionally well even in areas where it lost with such appreciable votes that go to confirm that the call for change and equity for all is one that is shared by majority of Ghanaians.

We wish to take this opportunity to extend our gratitude to all Ghanaians for the great endorsement of the NDC and the calm and peaceful demeanour all have handled themselves throughout this process. The journey to change has only started.

Based on results released by the Electoral Commission the Presidential Election results clearly show that a second round is inevitable.

With the results of three constituencies outstanding Nana Akufo Addo leads the race with 4,166,908 votes compared to Prof. Atta-Mills’ 4,061,104. This respectively represents 49.12% for Nana Akufo Addo and 47.87% for Prof. Atta-Mills. Even if Nana Akufo Addo wins the three outstanding constituencies 100%, his total will still be below the required 50% plus 1 vote.

Based on 2004 figures, Nana Akufo Addo’s total with taking all three constituencies (Asutifi North (BA), Saboba (NR) and Sefwi Akontombra (WR) 100% will only be 48.48%. In fact, based on 2004 results it is expected that Prof. Atta Mills will rather increase his percentage once the outstanding constituencies’ results are announced.

It is therefore clear that the people of Ghana have spoken and are indicating a wish for a change. The NDC, as results currently stand, has achieved to win 84.5% of Volta, 57.2% Upper West, 61.4% of Upper East, 60.1% of Northern, 54.5% of Greater Accra and 52.6% of the Central Region in the Presidential Vote. These figures do not take smaller parties' share in account and is a calculation based on the NDC and NPP votes.

As we prepare for a run-off we call for a heightening of the fervour and commitment that saw our party achieve what it did in round one.

The NDC initiated a positive trend in democracy as back as 1992 culminating in a smooth transition in 2000 devoid of any hint of reluctance to relinquish power. 2000 is being played all over again and we pray that when the people have finally spoken there will not be a quest by others to hold onto power come what may. We have shown the way, let others emulate our example and prove that Ghana has come of age.

It is important that all Ghanaians maintain a high sense of vigilance and peace as we thread towards the second round vote. We need not assume that everyone is keen on respecting the process. Some are so hell bent on clinging onto power at all costs and only our vigilance and strength of character will avoid any ill thought out actions.

The leadership of the NDC calls on all to approach the next round of the process with level-headedness and avoid any acts that will injure the peace. There will be trying moments but we always have to keep a cool head and find non-confrontational means to resolve issues.

We call on other stakeholders, particularly the media and the security agencies to play their roles responsibly.

The media deserve commendation for performing their watchdog role with finest precision. We pray that they will maintain these high standards and not fall pray to monetary influences and subtle intimidation. They owe Ghanaians an unbiased coverage of the process.

To the security agencies we call on them to remain above reproach and do away with a penchant for issuing threatening statements, which create an atmosphere of fear akin to a state of emergency. The security agencies are bound by basic ethics and it is important an impression is not created that they are a wing of government.

Calls for peace and restraint from their quarters should always be couched in responsible language and display of power and force should be reduced to the barest minimum and applied only when absolutely necessary.

The successful conclusion of this process is a collective one and we hope that all will heed our call.

Signed……………………………………

(Alex Segbefia, Campaign Coordinator)