NPP fuelling violence ahead of November polls - Group

A group calling itself the Young Democrats is accusing functionaries of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) of fueling violence ahead of the November 7 polls to easy its way to power.

They observed that the comments of Campaign Manager of the NPP Mr. Peter Mac Manu, to declare its own results for the 2016 elections is an incitement to political violence which could threaten the security of the country.

Read Full Details of Release Below;

The Young Democrats received with deep concern the irresponsible statement made by the Campaign Manager of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr. Peter Mac Manu, the decision of the NPP to declare its own results for the 2016 elections.

For a party contesting in an election to declare its own collated results before the constitutionally mandated body, the Electoral Commission declares official results is a dress rehearsal for violence which the NPP is scheming on Ghanaians.

We absolutely reject and condemn the subversive intention of the NPP to declare election results in fulfillment of the party’s long quest to incite political violence and threaten the security of the country.

As Young Democrats for good governance, we strongly hold firm that violence and threat of violence have no place in Ghanaian politics, therefore Ghanaians should speak out to condemn the NPP on the party’s agenda to bring rebellion and civil disturbance on Ghanaians.

We have noted how many democracies of the world have failed to maintain peace and stability during elections when violence became a sanctioned political tool as being demonstrated and championed by Mr. Peter Mac Manu and the NPP.

To this end, we wish to call on Religious Leaders, the National Peace Council, and the International Community to compel Nana Akufo Addo and the NPP to observe the 2016 elections roadmap in accordance with the constitution and the rule of law. This is to curb electoral violence and ensure that the irresponsible conducts of the NPP aimed at subverting the will of Ghanaians do not disturb the peace Ghana is known for.

The Young Democrats are concerned that any failure on the part of the NPP to respect the central provisions of the constitution, especially the sole prerogative of the EC to declare election results, would undermine the trust of the Ghanaian people in the constitution, which could seriously threaten the peace and stability of the country.

The NPP in recent time has demonstrated a growing fear of losing the 2016 elections and therefore has resorted into skirmishes with the Electoral Commission which the party hopes will lead to post-election violence.

Coming at the back of the former NPP Member of Parliament (MP) for Asokwa Constituency in the Ashanti Region, Maxwell Kofi Jumah declaring operation let the blood flow, as part of mechanisms to prevent any form of rigging in the upcoming presidential elections, we are urging the security agencies to call to order the warmongering posture of the NPP leadership.

The Young Democrats condemn in particular the attempts by Mr. Peter Mac Manu and the NPP to incite the youth of Ghana to engage in politically motivated violence. We wish to warn the New Patriotic Party against inciting or planning to use the young people to perpetrate violence in the country.

We urge all political actors to help implement the modalities and roadmaps as set out by the EC, IPAC, National Peace Council, International Community, and Civil Society, which underscores the need for a peaceful environment that enables, inter alia: free, fair, transparent, and peaceful elections; the acceptance of election results; and the proscription of violence.

Finally, we call on all political parties to respect the constitution and to work together with the EC to ensure that the 2016 elections serve to entrench Ghana’s democracy and bolster peace and stability, preconditions for Ghana’s future economic growth and development.