The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has vehemently condemned the Ghana Police Service and the Mahama-led government, alleging a deliberate obstruction of the Electoral Commission’s (EC) attempts to finalize the parliamentary results collation in the tightly contested Ablekuma North Constituency. Following a National Council meeting, the NPP issued a statement accusing the Ghana Police of acting under the direction of the Minister for the Interior and the Attorney General, flagrantly disregarding a High Court order mandating them to provide security for the EC to complete the collation process for the remaining three polling stations. The NPP emphasized that the EC confirmed the absence of any legal injunction preventing the results collation and declaration, yet the Police, in apparent contempt of court, were refusing to act, allegedly due to the NDC’s impending loss in the constituency.
The NPP’s accusations extend to President John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), whom they accuse of manipulating the Police to suppress the democratic will of the Ablekuma North constituents by delaying the process and denying them parliamentary representation. The NPP contends that the government’s interference is solely motivated by their knowledge of their electoral defeat, portraying it as a calculated attempt to exploit state institutions, obstruct the electoral process, and effectively hold the Ablekuma North constituents hostage. The party frames this situation as a serious threat to Ghana’s democratic governance, hinting at potential ramifications for the country’s political stability.
The NPP statement strongly criticizes the apparent politicization of the Ghana Police Service, accusing the force of being complicit in undermining the electoral process. By allegedly refusing to comply with a High Court order and provide necessary security for the EC, the Police are accused of directly hindering the democratic process. This alleged disregard for the rule of law, as interpreted by the NPP, raises concerns about the integrity and independence of state institutions, particularly concerning their role in safeguarding the electoral process. The NPP portrays this situation as a blatant attempt to manipulate the outcome of the election in Ablekuma North, potentially setting a dangerous precedent for future elections.
Furthermore, the NPP’s statement highlights the alleged role of high-ranking government officials, including the Minister for the Interior and the Attorney General, in directing the Police’s actions. This implication of direct involvement from the executive branch in obstructing the electoral process deepens the gravity of the allegations. The NPP’s claim suggests a concerted effort within the Mahama-led government to subvert the will of the people, raising critical questions about the government’s commitment to democratic principles and respect for the rule of law. The NPP’s framing of the situation paints a picture of a government willing to manipulate state institutions for political gain, potentially undermining public trust in both the police and the executive branch.
The NPP has vowed to take decisive action to counter what they perceive as an assault on democratic governance. Their promised “series of nationwide actions” to compel the authorities to allow the EC to complete the process unhindered suggests a determined stance against the perceived interference. While the exact nature of these actions remains unspecified, the statement’s forceful language signals a potential escalation of the political tension surrounding the Ablekuma North election results. This potential for heightened political activity further underscores the significance of the situation and its potential to impact the broader political landscape.
In essence, the NPP’s statement constitutes a strong indictment of the Mahama-led government, the Ghana Police Service, and key government officials, accusing them of conspiring to manipulate the electoral process in Ablekuma North. The party’s allegations raise serious concerns about the integrity of Ghana’s democratic institutions and the potential for political interference in future elections. The NPP’s pledge to initiate nationwide actions signals their determination to challenge the alleged manipulation and uphold the democratic rights of the Ablekuma North constituents, potentially setting the stage for a period of heightened political activity and uncertainty. The situation underscores the importance of a transparent and impartial electoral process for maintaining public trust and ensuring the stability of democratic governance.
