James Agbey, a respected operative of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to ensure a peaceful electoral environment before and after the ballots are cast by citizens in the pending December elections.
He emphasized the importance of upholding Ghana's democratic traditions and stressed the need for a peaceful and orderly transition of power, highlighting precedents set by past administrations that facilitated smooth transitions in the interest of national stability.
According to Agbey, concerns have arisen over the possibility of a peaceful transition of power as President Akufo-Addo's administration has faced allegations from various quarters suggesting reluctance to accept the election outcome should it favor the opposition.
He cited utterances made by some key figures within the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) who have echoed sentiments suggesting a potential reluctance to relinquish power peacefully.
“Such remarks have fueled apprehension among political observers and the public alike, drawing comparisons to past electoral disputes in other countries with dire consequences.
“The issues that people are concerned about in Ghana today – the cost of living crisis, the cuts in public services and our public spending, the implications of the dollar rate – these are all issues affecting the ordinary Ghanaian, and I believe they are poised to vote out the NPP come December 7,” Agbey told the media.
He added that President Akufo-Addo must lead by example before and after the elections in order to protect his political legacy.
“The same way that Rawlings handed over power to Kufuor, Kufuor to Mills, and Mahama to Akufo-Addo, the nation expects another peaceful transfer of political power after citizens cast their ballot. Anything short of that will definitely destroy everything President Akufo-Addo has fought for all his life,” he opined.
Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo has committed to ensuring that the 2024 general election is transparent, free, fair, and devoid of violence.
He has warned those contemplating causing disruptions during the election to rethink their plans, emphasizing that he will not tolerate any acts of violence.
The President made these remarks while joining the chiefs and people of Elmina at the Benya Lagoon to mark the official commencement of this year’s Bakatue Festival.