NAPO warns NDC against EC attacks

goldcoastnewsline@gmail.com

September 23, 2024
0 Comments

The Vice Presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has cautioned the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) against its repeated attacks on the Electoral Commission (EC) as the nation approaches the December 7 general elections.

Addressing chiefs and religious leaders at New Edubiase in the Ashanti Region, Dr. Prempeh, popularly known as ‘Napo,’ emphasized that the NDC’s frequent criticisms of the EC could generate unnecessary tension ahead of the crucial polls.

He expressed concern that the NDC’s intense desire to win the elections, particularly under the leadership of former President John Mahama, should not lead to actions that endanger the peace, progress and security of the country.

He warned that casting doubts on the integrity and fairness of the elections management body could have damaging effects on public trust.

“Political parties have the right to protest against the EC, but we must avoid disruptions that cast doubts on the intentions of fair elections,” Dr. Prempeh stated, adding: “Our country can only develop in a peaceful atmosphere,” he added.

The NPP vice presidential candidate also expressed concerns about the NDC’s attempts to portray the EC as a biased institution working to rig the elections in favour of a specific political party.

According to him, this narrative can easily inflame tensions, and disturb the nation’s peace, which is crucial for progress.

“The NDC’s odd and unpatriotic behaviour can create tension, and harm our national peace. It is important for the NDC and its leadership to always prioritize the peace and stability of our country,” Dr. Prempeh said.

He urged all political parties to raise concerns about the electoral process in a manner that promotes national unity and development. “All well-meaning persons must encourage the expression of concerns about the electoral process, but it must be done in the interest of our dear motherland. We must know that we have only one Ghana to develop,” he advised.

Dr. Prempeh further called on Ghanaians to play their part in safeguarding the peace of the nation before, during and after the elections, noting that any disruptions would negatively affect the country’s development trajectory. “Disturbances will draw the country’s development back,” he cautioned.

goldcoastnewsline@gmail.com

Politics

goldcoastnewsline@gmail.com
October 8, 2024
0 Comments
3 minutes Read

Bawumia has disarmed NDC’s ethnocentric strategy- Kwabena Agyepong

Mr. Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, Senior Campaign Advisor to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, has stated that Dr. Bawumia’s candidacy has effectively disarmed the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), neutralizing the party’s ethnocentric campaign strategy.

In an interview on Channel One TV’s The Point of View, Mr. Agyepong explained that the NDC had historically relied on an ethnically charged narrative to portray the NPP as an “Akan party” in an effort to win over voters, particularly from the northern regions and Zongo communities. However, he said, this narrative had been significantly disrupted with the election of Dr. Bawumia, Northerner and Muslim, as the NPP’s 2024 flagbearer.

According to Agyepong, Dr. Bawumia’s selection signalled a new chapter in Ghanaian politics, where ethnicity and religion no longer defined party allegiance. He noted that Dr Bawumia’s candidacy exemplified the NPP’s commitment to inclusivity and national unity, moving beyond traditional ethnic lines.

“This is the first time in Ghana’s political history that the NPP has selected a Northern Muslim as its flagbearer, and this has completely disarmed the NDC’s ethnocentric propaganda, which they have used to great effect since the 1980s,” Mr. Agyepong noted.

He pointed out that, for decades, the NDC had leaned on the historical Alien Compliance Order and similar events to foster ethnic divisions, accusing the NPP of marginalizing people from northern Ghana. With Dr. Bawumia leading the NPP, Mr Agyepong believes the opposition’s main weapon has been taken away.

“I’m pretty confident that we may surprise a few in Accra. For the first time, electing Dr. Bawumia has disarmed the NDC of their most potent propaganda weapon. Since 1982, they have been masters in ethnocentric campaigns, labeling the NPP as an Ashanti or Akan party. But now, that message has no foundation,” he emphasised.

Mr Agyepong further recalled how NDC members, including its General Secretary, Fifi Kwetey, doubted whether the NPP would ever allow Dr. Bawumia to lead, due to his background. “Their candidate publicly questioned whether Dr. Bawumia would be given the nod, saying the NPP was an ‘Akan party’ that would never allow a Northerner to lead. But the party thought otherwise, and voted overwhelmingly for Dr Bawumia, with 61% of the vote. Now, the NDC is struggling to find a coherent message,” he remarked.

Despite the challenges the NPP faces, including internal divisions, Mr. Agyepong expressed confidence in the party’s prospects ahead of the 2024 general elections. He highlighted Dr. Bawumia’s leadership as a unifying force that strengthens the party’s appeal, particularly in swing regions such as Greater Accra.

He also noted the NPP’s growing influence in traditionally NDC-dominated areas, stating, “We’re now fighting them on their turf, in areas we previously didn’t have a strong presence. Our grassroots support is very strong, and with Bawumia at the helm, we are positioned to win over voters in regions where the NPP was once less competitive.”

Politics

goldcoastnewsline@gmail.com
October 5, 2024
0 Comments
2 minutes Read

NPP PCs urged to spend at least 4 days weekly in constituencies

The leadership of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has issued a directive mandating all its parliamentary candidates to spend a “minimum of four days per week” in their respective constituencies to strengthen their campaign efforts ahead of the upcoming December 7 general elections.

According to the press statement issued by the General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong on Friday, October 4, the party has observed that some parliamentary candidates are not consistently present in their constituencies.

It said that the lack of engagement raises concerns about the potential impact on the party’s performance in both presidential and parliamentary elections.

“You should know that this lack of engagement would significantly affect our electoral fortunes in both presidential and parliamentary elections,” part of the statement read.

In light of this, the party has taken the matter seriously and expects all parliamentary candidates to dedicate sufficient time to engage with constituents.

The party has also directed regional campaign teams to monitor and report on the activities of the candidates.

“The regional campaign teams are hereby directed to submit weekly reports of the activities of their parliamentary candidates to the National Secretariat. We trust in your usual attention and cooperation in this matter,” the statement added.