The Member of Parliament for Nsawam Adoagyiri, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, has called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to temporarily suspend the ongoing transition process until the Electoral Commission (EC) declares all outstanding parliamentary results.
This appeal comes amidst disputes over several results, including that of Nsawam Adoagyiri, raising concerns about transparency and fairness.
Speaking at the New Patriotic Party (NPP) office in Nsawam on Wednesday, December 11, Annoh-Dompreh expressed his dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs. He urged the outgoing President and the president-elect, John Dramani Mahama, to ensure equity and fairness in the process. According to him, a smooth and transparent declaration of all parliamentary results is a prerequisite for advancing the transition.
“Let me appeal to the outgoing president Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. We know he has set in motion a transition process as a matter of course. We want to appeal to the president: he who comes to equity must come with clean hands, so the transition process should be halted. His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo should halt the transition process, and John Dramani Mahama, president-elect, must show the same equity, must speak to his people, and we must ensure that all the other seats are declared duly by the EC before the transition process goes on,” Annoh-Dompreh stated.
The MP also criticized the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for what he described as irresponsible behavior in the aftermath of the elections. He called on the EC to establish a secure and credible platform for announcing the remaining results to address any lingering concerns.
Annoh-Dompreh’s plea comes as Ghana navigates its post-election period, a critical time for upholding the democratic values that the country is known for. His comments highlight the importance of transparency and trust in the electoral process, especially when disputes arise.
Adding to the controversy, Annoh-Dompreh faced accusations from the NDC regarding a shooting incident at the Nsawam Adoagyiri Collation Center. The Eastern Regional Chairman of the NDC alleged during a press conference that Annoh-Dompreh was directly involved in the shooting of Richard Taboh, an observer, during confusion at the collation center. The chairman claimed the incident occurred in full public view, casting a shadow over the election proceedings in the constituency.
Annoh-Dompreh has strongly denied the allegations, labeling them as entirely false and an attempt to tarnish his reputation. Addressing the media, he categorically refuted claims of his involvement and called on the leadership of the Ghana Police Service to initiate a thorough investigation into the matter.
“The allegations against me are totally false. I have never been involved in any shooting incident, let alone at the Nsawam Adoagyiri Collation Center. These accusations are baseless, and I urge the police to investigate thoroughly to uncover the truth,” he asserted.
He also emphasized his commitment to peace and stability, urging all stakeholders to refrain from actions that could jeopardize the country’s democratic progress. According to him, the focus should remain on ensuring that the will of the people is reflected in the electoral outcomes.
The shooting incident has added a layer of tension to an already delicate situation, with calls for calm and impartiality from various quarters. The NDC has insisted on a thorough investigation to bring the culprits to justice and ensure accountability.
Meanwhile, the EC has been under pressure to address the outstanding parliamentary results swiftly and transparently. Many stakeholders, including civil society organizations, have emphasized the need for the commission to uphold its credibility by resolving disputes in a timely manner.
Annoh-Dompreh’s call for halting the transition process underscores the critical role of trust and fairness in Ghana’s democracy. As the country awaits the final parliamentary results, the transition process remains a focal point for discussions on governance and stability.
The transition, a constitutional process aimed at facilitating a seamless transfer of power, has historically been a hallmark of Ghana’s democratic success. However, disputes like those highlighted by Annoh-Dompreh underscore the challenges that can arise when key stakeholders question the integrity of the process.
Both the NPP and the NDC have been urged to prioritize the nation’s interests over partisan concerns. Political analysts have highlighted the importance of dialogue and compromise in navigating the post-election period, particularly when tensions run high.
As the situation unfolds, the role of the Ghana Police Service and other relevant authorities in maintaining peace and order cannot be overstated. Annoh-Dompreh’s call for a police investigation into the shooting incident aligns with broader efforts to ensure accountability and uphold the rule of law.
For the people of Nsawam Adoagyiri and other constituencies awaiting the declaration of their results, the resolution of these disputes represents not just a procedural matter but a reaffirmation of their trust in the democratic process.
Annoh-Dompreh’s appeal to both President Akufo-Addo and President-elect Mahama reflects the need for leadership that transcends party lines. By halting the transition process temporarily, he believes the country can prioritize fairness and transparency, ultimately strengthening its democratic foundations.
As Ghana moves closer to concluding its electoral cycle, the focus remains on ensuring that all processes are conducted in a manner that reflects the values of equity and accountability. The transition process, while technical in nature, serves as a crucial bridge between administrations, and its success relies on the trust and cooperation of all stakeholders.
The call for a pause in the transition process serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between speed and integrity in governance. As the Electoral Commission works to address outstanding issues, the hope is that all parties will commit to fostering an environment of peace, dialogue, and mutual respect.
