The National Youth Organizer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), George Opare Addo also known as Pablo, has called on key traditional leaders, including the Asantehene Otumfuor Osei Tutu, Okyenhene Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, and the National House of Chiefs, to intervene and ensure that the Electoral Commission (EC) conducts a free and fair election on December 7.
He warned that Ghana would not remain the same if the EC attempted to undermine the people’s will.
Addressing thousands of NDC supporters in Koforidua after a peaceful protest against the EC’s refusal to carry out a forensic audit of the voters’ register, Opare Addo stressed that the NDC will accept nothing short of victory, stating that “change is coming” and that justice through a fair election is the key to peace.
He urged the country’s traditional leaders to take action to safeguard the integrity of the upcoming elections.
“Today we have presented our petition to the EC in a very civilized manner. We are a law-abiding political party we will do nothing untoward but when the need arises, we will rise up. I say we have done the needful. We expect well-meaning Ghanaians”, Opare Addo said.
He continued “We are calling on Otumfuor, Osagyefuo Amoatia, and all our distinguished chiefs that Ghana is for all of us. If we are looking for peace there is an antidote to a peaceful election it is called Justice, free and fair elections must be conducted else this country will not remain the same. Nothing except the victory of NDC will be accepted by us because we know that all things be equal there is no way that change should not happen because change is coming “.
He also directed his message to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, reminding him of his responsibility to ensure peace.
He pointed out that when Akufo-Addo won the 2016 elections, then-President John Mahama handed over a peaceful nation, and he expects the same in 2025.
Opare Addo warned that the president must protect the lives of Ghanaians on December 7 to ensure his own peaceful retirement.
“Nana Addo Danquah Akufo Addo, Ideally he should remain a statesman. Akufo Addo when you won in 2016 John Mahama was the sitting President he handed over a peaceful country we urge you that hand over a peaceful country on the 7th of January 2025 to H.E John Dramani Mahama. Because you want to enjoy your retirement, and if you want to enjoy your retirement in peace then make sure no Ghanaian life is touched on 7th December. Make sure that as President the responsibility we have given you make sure that every single Ghanaian life is protected so your own life can also be protected when you retire”
Opare Addo further rallied NDC supporters, emphasizing that the December election is not just about John Mahama or the NDC but about the future of Ghana.
He pointed out issues such as the destruction of water bodies, livelihoods at risk, and the government’s failure to meet basic needs as reasons for change.
Thousands of supporters, including party executives, Members of Parliament, and former NDC appointees from all 33 constituencies in the region, participated in the demonstration. They carried placards with various messages expressing their frustrations while singing NDC anthems.
Hundreds of police officers equipped with riot control gear were deployed to provide security, particularly around the Eastern Regional EC office, where NDC leaders presented a petition demanding the EC conduct a forensic audit of the voters’ register. The Regional Chairman, Dr. Mark Oliver Kevor, led the petition presentation.
The NDC alleges significant discrepancies in voter transfers, claiming the numbers recorded in some constituencies far exceed the EC’s official figures, a concern corroborated by some Members of Parliament in the region.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Kojo Ansah