Former NPP Member of Parliament (MP) for the Manhyia North constituency, Collins Owusu Amankwah, has strongly rebuked the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for its announced intention to rejoin the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC).
IPAC serves as a platform where political parties in Ghana collaborate with the Electoral Commission to establish agreements related to electoral processes.
The NDC, during a stakeholder conference organized by the National Peace Council, revealed its decision to end its abstention from IPAC meetings.
However, Amankwah expressed skepticism about the sincerity of the NDC’s return, emphasizing that the opposition party must first address and rectify its past actions.
“We will return to IPAC, but outstanding issues have to be resolved,” NDC National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah stated, citing lack of consensus building as the reason for the party’s exit from IPAC.
“IPAC was put together by the parties with the Electoral Commission, EC, the Referee…We are impressed with the Olive Branch extended to us…but we must make sure that the issues are resolved,” he added.
He specifically pointed to the need for the NDC to issue an apology to the Electoral Commission.
During their absence from IPAC, the NDC had levied accusations and implications against both the Electoral Commission and the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).
In his remarks on Peace FM’s “Kokrokoo” morning programme, Amankwah underscored that the NDC should demonstrate genuine remorse and accountability for its previous indictments before considering a return to IPAC.
He insisted that an apology to the Electoral Commission is essential as part of rebuilding trust and fostering a cooperative atmosphere within the political landscape.