NPP begs NDC to reconsider decision not to sign peace pact ahead of 2024 elections

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has made a passionate appeal to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to reconsider its decision not to commit to the 2024 peace accord ahead of the December polls.

This comes after NDC National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, stated that his party will not sign the peace declaration before the elections.

A statement released on August 15, 2024, and signed by the NPP's General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, said the NPP expressed deep concern over Asiedu Nketiah’s remarks.

The ruling party described the comments as “unfortunate” and warned that such rhetoric could inflame tensions in the country.

"The NPP finds the comment by the NDC National Chairman very unfortunate and condemns it in no uncertain terms, given the worrying and incendiary nature of the statement," the NPP’s statement read.

The party emphasized that since the beginning of the Fourth Republic of Ghana, it has consistently demonstrated its commitment to maintaining peace before, during, and after general elections.

The NPP pointed out that even in 2012, when it challenged the election results in court, it still committed to the peace accord in 2016, driven by the national interest.

"Since 2008, the NPP has always committed to signing the peace accord, either in government or opposition or during instances when the party had genuine concerns about the sanctity of our electoral outcomes and processes," the statement continued.

The NPP urged the NDC to rethink its position for the sake of national peace and stability.

It also called on the National Peace Council, Civil Society Organisations, and religious and traditional authorities to join in condemning the NDC’s stance and to encourage the opposition party to seek resolution through appropriate channels.

"We call on our rank and file to uphold our principled position despite provocations from the NDC," the NPP stated, while also reminding Ghanaians that the country is "peace-loving" and will remain so regardless of the election outcome.

Below is the statement:

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has taken notice of a publication on myjoyonline.com dated August 15, 2024, captioned “We won’t sign peace declaration ahead of elections, says Asiedu Nketia,” ostensibly attributed to the National Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

According to the publication, Mr. Asiedu Nketia made the statement during his appearance on Joy News’ current affairs programme, PM Express, on Wednesday, August 14, 2024.

The NPP takes a serious view of the statement and reacts as follows:

1. The NPP finds the comment by the NDC National Chairman very unfortunate and condemns it in no uncertain terms, given the worrying and incendiary nature of the statement.

2. We have noted with concern that the leadership of the NDC has gained notoriety for consistently beating the drums of war and preparing the minds of their supporters to reject the outcome of the 2024 general elections, foreseeing their inevitable loss.

3. The NPP wishes to make a passionate appeal to the NDC to reconsider their posture by reason of the national interest and desist from making statements likely to fuel tensions in the political atmosphere with far-reaching implications for the peace and security of our dear country.

4. We wish to reiterate our firm assurance to Ghanaians that the NPP remains solemnly committed, in words and in deeds, to maintaining the peace and stability of this country before, during, and after the 2024 elections, and will accept its outcome in good faith.

5. It is common knowledge that since the advent of the Fourth Republic, the NPP has been the political party that has consistently demonstrated unwavering commitment to maintaining the country’s peace, either before,

during, and after general elections and will never deviate from this commitment.

6. Since 2008, the NPP has always committed to signing the Peace Accord, either in government or opposition or during instances when the Party had genuine concerns about the sanctity of our electoral outcomes and processes. For instance, despite challenging the outcome of the 2012 general elections results in court and having doubts about the neutrality of the Electoral Commission, the NPP, guided by the overarching national

interest, still committed to the Peace Accord in 2016.

7. It is an established fact that whenever we have legitimate concerns, the NPP resorts to appropriate fora, including the courts, the Peace Council, IPAC, and other stakeholders to address our grievances and, where

necessary, call for electoral reforms to improve the country’s electoral systems and processes. We call on our rank and file to uphold our principled position despite provocations from the NDC, which has always

touted its revolutionary roots.

8. While we reiterate our commitment to signing the 2024 Election Peace Declaration with alacrity, we call on the National Peace Council, Civil Society Organisations, Religious and Traditional Authorities and indeed, all well-meaning Ghanaians to join us in condemning the statement by the NDC National Chairman and to urge the party to use appropriate channels to resolve any grievances.

9. Ironically, despite the NDC’s stated stance, they continue to be represented at the Peace Council, IPAC and National Security meetings. Why are they unable to maintain a principled stance to the peace and stability of Ghana?

10. Finally, we want to remind the NDC that Ghanaians are peace-loving people, and by the grace of God, Ghana will not experience any war regardless of the outcome of the 2024 general elections. The will of the

Ghanaians will always prevail.

NAY/AE

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