Minister for the Interior, Mr. Henry Quartey, has reassured the public of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) commitment to a peaceful transfer of power should they lose the upcoming 2024 general elections.
His remarks follow concerns raised after incidents of violence during the limited voter registration exercise, leading to the arrest of Asutifi South MP, Collins Dauda.
Addressing the media in Accra, Mr. Quartey emphasized the NPP’s commitment to upholding democratic principles.
“As a politician, as a political party, it is our hope, it is our wish, it is our belief that by the grace of God, the good people of this country, the good work that we have done in infrastructure and in other interventions, they will give us another mandate,” he stated.
The Interior Minister, nonetheless, affirmed that should Ghanaians choose to entrust the governance of the nation to a party other than the NPP, the party will not hesitate to transfer power to the victor of the forthcoming Presidential elections.
He explained: “Perish the thought, and I say again, perish the thought, if they decide to give their mandate to somebody else, we will hand over peacefully and walk away, go to the drawing board and come back, Insha Allah. But I know that the grace of God abounds, and so we shall break the 8.”
Furthermore, Mr. Quartey delivered a strong caution against electoral violence. He underscored that individuals instigating violence prior to, during, or following the elections will be met with severe legal repercussions, irrespective of their political allegiance.
“Let me sound the warning again. You know my track record, I walk my talk. Anybody who goes to do something other than what is prescribed, we will do our best to ensure that the law will take its course and the court of competent jurisdiction will do its work,” Mr. Quartey cautioned.
The Minister of Interior emphasized further that law enforcement operations will not be driven by political agendas.
“May I sound this warning that it will not be political vindictiveness. If anybody commits, whoever the person is, we shall ensure that the law will take its course,” he warned.