We will continue to demonstrate until ... - Wontumi

Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako has charged President John Dramani Mahama to call the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Mrs. Charlotte Osei to order rather than directing his frustrations at parties who are exercising their fundamental rights as enshrined in the constitution.

He told Peacefmonline.com that if the president has any concerns about the processes towards the upcoming elections – “then he should direct them to the EC and the Chairperson he appointed to steer affairs of the electoral body.”

Chairman Wontumi made this assertion after President Mahama’s call on Ghanaians to allow the EC to work without any interference. Wontumi argued that the president’s call is out of place, contending that the EC is not immune to criticisms, particularly in situations where it has failed to execute its mandate in open and transparent manner.

The NPP chairman was equally apprehensive about the President and the NDC's incessant defence of the EC and its Chairperson in the face of glaring evidence of negligence and non-compliance of its own regulations.

Chairman Wontumi also wondered if the President has the moral authority to advise parties to channel their grievances through the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) when the NDC in the past had failed to respect and abide by decisions reached at the Committee level.

The President last Saturday in Kumasi called on Ghanaians, especially political parties, to desist from alleged interference in the work of the Electoral Commission.

President Mahama, who addressing a gathering of the Muslim community, particularly expressed worry at the numerous demonstrations directed at the EC and appealed to parties that have concerns to channel them through the appropriate quarters such as the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC).

But the opposition party says President Mahama's call smacks off hypocrisy and suspicion, considering the fact that the NDC themselves had in a number of occasions failed to respect decisions taking at IPAC.

The Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman stated in an interview with Peacefmonline.com that he sensed panic and apprehension in the voice of the President, arguing that the President is dreading the impact of the party's upcoming demonstration against the EC.

"It is shocking that today the NDC and President Mahama are calling on parties that have concern to direct them through IPAC; what happened at the Supreme Court hearing in 2013 when they challenged a decision reached at the IPAC with respect to the No Verification No Vote agreement. Did the NDC not challenge that in court?" Chairman Wontumi questioned.

He indicated that the NPP and its alliances have no intention of backing down on their demand at ensuring that the EC does the right thing.

"We will continue to demonstrate until the right thing is done," He stated emphatically, stressing that the upcoming demonstration in Kumasi, dubbed "BAAMU YADA" to wit, 'We won't agree' will be one of series of public outings that would be organized by the party until the EC do the right thing.

Chairman Wontumi, who has accused the President of appointing Mrs. Charlotte Osei to allegedly do his bidding and that of the NDC, warned that Ghanaians will never forgive the EC and the NDC as a ruling party if they failed to ensure free, fair and transparent elections.