Fifi Fiavi Kwetey
The Opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has served notice to the Ghana Police Service of its intention to embark on a public demonstration in Accra on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, to press home its demand for free, fair, transparent, and peaceful elections.
In a letter addressed to the Regional Commander of the Ghana Police Service, Accra, the NDC General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, stated that the demonstration will start at the Kwame Nkrumah interchange at 7:00 am and terminate at the corporate office of the Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC) at Ridge, Osu.
This move is part of the NDC’s nationwide protest against the EC’s handling of discrepancies in the voter register.
The party’s grievances emerged during the recent voter exhibition exercise, where they identified several irregularities in the register.
Following a meeting with the EC to address these concerns, the NDC requested a forensic audit of the register, which was denied by the EC.
The Party’s National Chairman, Asiedu Nketiah, expressed disappointment but not surprise at the EC’s refusal, stating that it was a clear indication that they had something to hide.
Already, the NDC has announced plans to stage a massive nationwide demonstration in all 16 regional capitals on September 17, 2024, to demand the EC’s guarantee for peaceful polls.
The party has vowed to fight for its right to a free and fair election, stating that it will not sit down and allow the EC to compromise the electoral process.
The EC has yet to respond to the NDC’s demands, but the commission has assured Ghanaians that it is committed to conducting a peaceful and transparent election.
However, the NDC is not convinced, and they are determined to take action to protect their interests.
This is not the first time the NDC has clashed with the EC over the issue of the voter register.
In 2020, the party accused the EC of bias and incompetence, leading to a series of protests and demonstrations.
The NDC has continued to raise concerns about the EC’s preparedness for the 2024 general elections, citing issues such as the lack of transparency in the voter registration process and the failure to address concerns about the accuracy of the voter roll.
According to the NDC, the upcoming demonstration is expected to be a major test of the EC’s resolve and a show of force by the NDC.
The party said they have mobilized its supporters across the country and is determined to make its voice heard.
-BY Daniel Bampoe