The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has cautioned the National Democratic Congress (NDC) that its refusal to commit to the 2024 peace pact ahead of the general elections could escalate political tensions.
The NPP’s concerns follow remarks reportedly made by the NDC’s National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, indicating the opposition party’s reluctance to sign the peace declaration.
In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua (JFK), the NPP criticized the NDC’s stance, calling the comments “unfortunate” and “incendiary.”
The party stressed that such rhetoric could create fear and suspicion among the NDC’s supporters, potentially paving the way for them to reject the outcome of the 2024 elections.
“We find the comment by the NDC National Chairman very unfortunate and condemn it in no uncertain terms, given the worrying and incendiary nature of the statement,” the NPP stated, adding that the NDC’s leadership appears to be preparing their supporters to contest the election results.
The NPP made a public appeal for the NDC to reconsider its position in the national interest, urging the party to avoid actions or statements that could heighten political tensions.
“We call on the NDC to desist from making statements likely to fuel tensions…with far-reaching implications for the peace and security of our dear country,” the statement added.
The NPP reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring peace and stability throughout the election process, pledging to respect the outcome of the 2024 elections regardless of the results.
“We wish to reiterate our firm assurance to Ghanaians that the NPP remains solemnly committed, in words and in deeds, to maintaining the peace and stability of this country before, during, and after the 2024 elections.”
Highlighting its historical commitment to peaceful elections, the NPP pointed out that since 2008, it has always signed the Peace Accord, even during instances when it had serious concerns about the electoral process.
The statement referenced the party’s signing of the peace agreement in 2016, despite contesting the results of the 2012 elections in court.
The NPP also criticized the NDC for participating in national security and peace-related forums while publicly opposing the peace declaration.
“Ironically, despite the NDC’s stated stance, they continue to be represented at the Peace Council, IPAC, and National Security meetings,” the NPP noted.
The statement concluded with a call for Ghanaians to remain peaceful, expressing confidence that the country would continue to experience peace regardless of the outcome of the 2024 general elections. “The will of the Ghanaians will always prevail,” the NPP emphasized.