The Interior Minister, Henry Quartey, has reassured the public that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is firmly dedicated to ensuring a peaceful transition of power in case of defeat in the 2024 general elections.
During a media briefing in Accra on May 15, 2024, Mr Quartey reiterated the NPP’s dedication to ensuring a smooth electoral process.
“As a political party, our hope, wish, and belief are that the good people of this country will grant us another mandate due to our work in infrastructure and other interventions.
“However, if they decide otherwise, we will hand over peacefully and regroup for the future. By God’s grace, we believe we can break the eight”.
He expressed hope for another mandate based on the party’s achievements in infrastructure and other initiatives but emphasized their readiness to peacefully hand over power if the people decide otherwise.
Mr Quartey emphasized the party’s stance against electoral violence and warned that legal action would be taken against perpetrators regardless of their political affiliations.
His remarks followed recent incidents of violence during the limited voter registration exercise, which led to the arrest of Asutifi South MP, Collins Dauda.
“Let me reiterate, based on my track record, that anyone engaging in unlawful activities will face the law. This is not political vindictiveness; it is about upholding justice,” Mr Quartey asserted.
The Interior Minister reiterated his commitment to upholding justice and emphasized that anyone engaging in unlawful activities would face the consequences, stressing that it is not about political bias but about maintaining law and order.
Mr Quartey’s statement aimed to address concerns raised by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) regarding the government’s readiness to peacefully transfer power if defeated in the election.
These concerns were triggered by President Akufo-Addo’s recent comments expressing hesitancy to concede defeat to an opponent he had previously defeated twice.
In response to the NDC’s apprehensions, NDC National Chairman Asiedu Nketiah urged the NPP to ensure a peaceful transition of power for the stability of the nation.