We do not plan violence, but we will retaliate if provoked - NDC’s Mustapha Gbande

Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mustapha Foyo Gbande, has stated that while the party has no intention of inciting violence during the upcoming elections, it will not hesitate to retaliate if its members are targeted.

“We do not have any plans for violence, but I can assure you that if an NDC member is touched, an NPP member will be simultaneously touched. If any NDC member is targeted, an NPP member will also be targeted,” he emphasized during a press briefing.

Gbande reiterated the NDC’s commitment to a peaceful election but noted that the party is prepared to safeguard its members. “Every NDC member will be vigilant, fortified, and ready as we approach the elections,” he added.

These comments come on the heels of a significant moment for Ghana’s democratic process. Thursday afternoon, former President John Dramani Mahama of the NDC and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) signed a peace pact before the December 7 general elections.

The Fourth Peace Pact, organized by the Institute of Democratic Governance (IDEG) in collaboration with the National Peace Council, was signed at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra.

The event brought together key stakeholders, including former United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas, Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, Chief Imam Sheikh Nuhu Sharabutu, Electoral Commission Chairperson Jean Mensa, and other presidential candidates.

The peace pact underscores the shared commitment to a free, fair, and peaceful election. However, Gbande’s comments signal the heightened tensions that often accompany Ghana’s competitive political landscape, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and mutual respect as the elections approach.