The National Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has reiterated the party’s decision not to sign the peace pact proposed by the National Peace Council ahead of the December 7, 2024 elections.
The peace pact, designed to ensure political leaders commit to maintaining peace during and after the elections, has been endorsed by various stakeholders.
However, the NDC remains firm in its refusal.
During his campaign tour of the Banda Constituency in the Bono Region, Mr. Nketia made it clear that the NDC would only consider signing the agreement if those responsible for the violence and deaths during the 2020 general elections are arrested and brought to justice.
"We will not sign this document until the killers from the 2020 elections are arrested and prosecuted.
The government has failed to hold those criminals, disguised in security uniforms, accountable because they acted in the interest of the ruling party during the last elections," he stated.
Citing the tragic killing of an innocent teacher in Banda during the 2020 elections, Mr. Asiedu Nketia emphasized the party's stance that justice must be served before any commitments to future peace agreements can be made.
"People lost their lives, and nothing has been done about it. Yet, you want me to sign a document so that the same atrocities can be repeated in 2024.
Those responsible for these heinous crimes against democracy are walking free, while the families of victims continue to suffer," he added.
He said the NDC’s refusal to sign the peace pact comes as a significant stance in the lead-up to the 2024 elections to demand justice for past election violence before committing to future peace agreements.