NPP condemns NDC over failure to sign peace declaration

The ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has expressed strong disapproval of the Opposition National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) recent stance on the peace declaration accord for the upcoming 2024 general elections.

The NPP has labeled the NDC’s position as “unfortunate” and “incendiary,” raising concerns about the potential impact on national stability.

This development follows a controversial statement made by the NDC National Chairman, Asiedu Nketiah, while speaking on an Accra-based television station.

Mr. Nketiah announced that the NDC would not sign the peace declaration, a customary accord aimed at ensuring peaceful elections in Ghana.

His remarks have since ignited a wave of outrage, with the NPP accusing the NDC of "beating the drums of war" and priming their supporters to reject the outcome of the forthcoming elections.

In a statement issued by Justin Kodua Frimpong, the General Secretary of the NPP, the party expressed its deep concern over Nketiah’s comments, condemning them for their “worrying and incendiary nature.”

“The NPP finds the comment by the NDC National Chairman very unfortunate and condemns it in no uncertain terms, given the worrying and incendiary nature of the statement,” Frimpong stated.

Frimpong further emphasized the NPP’s commitment to upholding peace and stability in the lead-up to, during, and after the 2024 elections, urging the NDC to reconsider its position.

“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… and will accept its outcome in good faith,” he added.

J. K. Frimpong highlighted the NPP’s history of honoring the peace accord, even during periods of electoral disputes.

He pointed out that since 2008, the NPP has consistently signed the peace declaration, both as the governing party and as the opposition, even when it had reservations about the electoral process.

“The NPP has a history of committing to the peace accord, even when they have had concerns about the electoral process. Since 2008, the NPP has always committed to signing the Peace Accord, either in government or opposition… despite challenging the outcome of the 2012 general elections results in court,” Frimpong noted.

In light of the NDC’s current stance, the NPP has called on key stakeholders, including the National Peace Council, Civil Society Organizations, Religious and Traditional Authorities, and all well-meaning Ghanaians, to join in condemning the NDC’s decision.

The NPP urged the NDC to use appropriate legal and democratic channels to address any grievances they may have regarding the election process.

Asiedu Nketiah’s statement has cast doubts on the NDC’s commitment to the peace and stability of the nation, with critics questioning the party’s true intentions.

Lawyer Frimpong underscored the inconsistency of the NDC’s actions, noting that despite their refusal to sign the peace declaration, the party continues to participate in other peace-building forums.

“Ironically, despite the NDC’s stated stance, they continue to be represented at the Peace Council, IPAC, and national Security meetings. Why are they unable to maintain a principled stance to the peace and stability of Ghana?” Frimpong queried.

Nevertheless, the NPP sought to reassure Ghanaians that the country would not be plunged into chaos regardless of the election outcome. The party affirmed that Ghana’s peace-loving nature and the will of the people would prevail.

“Ghanaians are peace-loving people, and by the grace of God, Ghana will not experience any war… The will of the Ghanaians will always prevail,” the statement concluded.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith