The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced its readiness to stage a peaceful protest against the Electoral Commission (EC) on Tuesday, September 17.
The protest is aimed at demanding a forensic audit of the voter register ahead of the December 7 general elections.
According to Mustapha Gbande, Deputy General Secretary of the NDC, the party has finalized all necessary arrangements for the protest, including securing an agreement with the police on the route to be taken. The protest will commence at 7 am and terminate at the EC’s office.
Gbande revealed that the NDC has taken steps to ensure the protest is inclusive and accessible to all participants, regardless of their physical abilities. “We will walk slowly so that Ghanaians who are even blind and disabled can join the demonstration,” he stated.
The NDC’s decision to stage a protest stems from concerns raised about discrepancies in the provisional voter register shared by the EC with political parties.
The party leadership has urged its members to participate in the nationwide protest to demand accountability and transparency from the EC.
However, Gbande alleged that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) plans to disrupt the protest by infiltrating it with their members wearing NDC shirts.
He warned that such individuals will be dealt with, emphasizing that the NDC has taken measures to neutralize potential troublemakers with the help of the police and invincible forces.
“We also do know that the NPP is intending to let their people wear our shirts and come and cause trouble, and we will deal with those people.
We will deal with anybody who will covertly come to cause trouble,” Gbande stated.
The NDC’s protest is part of its efforts to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process.
The party’s flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, has emphasized the importance of safeguarding the integrity of Ghana’s electoral system.
The Accra Regional Police Command has agreed on the protest route with the NDC, and adequate security measures will be in place to ensure the safety of participants.
The police have assured the NDC of their commitment to maintaining law and order during the protest.
As the protest gets underway, Ghanaians will be watching closely to see how the EC responds to the NDC’s demands.
The outcome of this protest may have significant implications for the upcoming general elections and the country’s democratic process.
The NDC’s concerns about the voter register are shared by other stakeholders, who have expressed worries about potential irregularities and discrepancies. The EC has maintained that it is committed to conducting free and fair elections.
The protest is expected to draw attention to the need for transparency and accountability in Ghana’s electoral process.
The NDC and other opposition parties have been vocal about their demands for reforms, and this protest may mark a significant turning point in the country’s electoral landscape.
