The Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has firmly stated that the party will not engage in any peace pact for the 2024 general elections unless certain conditions are met.
This position was reaffirmed during a meeting with the National Peace Council on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, where the Council urged political parties to put aside hostility and focus on achieving a peaceful election.
However, Asiedu Nketiah expressed the NDC’s reservations, citing the ineffectiveness of previous peace agreements, particularly the one signed before the 2020 elections.
He pointed out that despite these agreements, eight NDC members were allegedly killed by national security operatives during the last election, with no subsequent accountability.
To address these concerns, the NDC has outlined six specific conditions that must be fulfilled before considering the peace pact:
Full implementation of the Ayawaso Commission’s recommendations: The NDC demands the full execution of the recommendations from the investigation into the violence during the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election.
Prosecution of those responsible for the killings during the 2020 election.: The party calls for justice for the victims of the 2020 election violence, insisting that those responsible must be held accountable.
Prosecution of individuals involved in the illegal printing of ballot papers.: The NDC requires assurances that irregularities in ballot paper printing will be addressed, with preventive measures in place.
Transparent, honest, and public addressing of the missing equipment at the EC’s office, satisfactory to the general public: The party insists on a thorough investigation into the disappearance of IT equipment from the Electoral Commission’s warehouse, raising concerns about the integrity of the EC’s operations.
A public declaration by the President to accept the will of the people in the 2024 general elections: Asiedu Nketiah emphasized the necessity for President Akufo-Addo to publicly commit to respecting the results of the 2024 elections.
Signatures from the President, Chief Justice, Attorney General, and IGP on the LGBTQ document: The NDC demands that the peace pact be signed by key national figures, including the President, the Inspector-General of Police, the Chief Justice, the National Security Coordinator, and the Attorney General, before the NDC will consider signing.