The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has alleged a conspiracy between the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the Electoral Commission (EC) to influence the outcome of the upcoming December 7 general elections.
Speaking at a mini rally held in Sekondi in the Western Region on Tuesday, November 26, Mahama claimed that the EC had recruited members of the NPP as part of its temporary staff to assist with the elections, particularly in the Gomoa East constituency of the Central Region.
Mahama disclosed that 65 individuals, identified as card-carrying members of the NPP, were recruited by the EC following recommendations made by an NPP Member of Parliament and other party executives. This recruitment, he argued, confirms the NDC’s long-standing suspicions of collusion between the EC and the ruling government to manipulate election results in favor of the NPP. Mahama’s remarks have added to growing concerns about the transparency and fairness of the electoral process.
“We all have to be vigilant and keenly observe the polls because we can vote well, but some thieves will rig it,” Mahama said. He explained that a video from Gomoa East had surfaced, providing evidence of the alleged collusion. The video reportedly contains a recording that captures how an NPP MP and his executives submitted the names of 65 party members to an EC official, who subsequently added them to the list of temporary electoral staff.
Mahama questioned the impartiality of such recruits and suggested that their presence at polling stations could undermine the fairness of the elections. “If such a person is the one at the polling station, do you think he will allow the polls to be fair? That is why we have always been saying that there is collusion between the EC and the NPP to rig the elections, and we have evidence from Gomoa East,” Mahama stated.
These allegations come at a critical moment as the nation prepares for the December 7 polls, which are expected to be fiercely contested. Mahama’s accusations have intensified the political tension between the NDC and the NPP, with both parties vying for public trust ahead of the elections. For the NDC, these claims underscore the need for heightened vigilance and robust oversight of the electoral process to ensure that it remains credible.
Mahama’s remarks reflect the NDC’s broader concerns about the conduct of the Electoral Commission under the leadership of Jean Mensa. The party has previously criticized the EC for what it describes as a lack of transparency and impartiality in managing the electoral process. These concerns have been echoed by other opposition parties and civil society organizations, who have called for greater accountability from the EC.
The allegations of bias and collusion are not new. Over the years, political parties in Ghana have often accused the electoral body of partiality, particularly during election periods. However, the specificity of Mahama’s claims, including the mention of names and constituencies, has brought a renewed focus to the issue. This has led to calls for an independent investigation into the allegations to determine their veracity and address any potential breaches of electoral integrity.
Mahama also used the rally to urge NDC supporters and Ghanaians at large to remain vigilant during the elections. He emphasized the importance of safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process, warning that any lapses could have serious consequences for the nation’s democracy. “This election is critical for the future of Ghana. We must ensure that every vote counts and that no one is allowed to manipulate the process,” he said.
The NDC flagbearer’s comments have resonated with many supporters, who view the alleged collusion as a threat to the country’s democratic principles. For them, the allegations highlight the need for greater scrutiny of the electoral process to prevent any attempts at manipulation. This sentiment has been echoed by civil society groups, who have called on the EC to clarify its recruitment processes and address any concerns about partisanship among its staff.
Meanwhile, the NPP has dismissed the allegations as baseless and politically motivated. Party officials have accused Mahama of attempting to undermine public confidence in the EC and the electoral process as a whole. They argue that the claims are part of a broader strategy by the NDC to discredit the election results in advance.
The EC, for its part, has yet to issue an official response to Mahama’s allegations. However, the commission has consistently maintained that it is committed to conducting free, fair, and transparent elections. It has also called on political parties and stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring a peaceful and credible electoral process.
As the election date draws closer, the stakes continue to rise. Ghana has long been regarded as a beacon of democracy in Africa, with a history of peaceful transitions of power and credible electoral processes. However, the allegations of collusion and manipulation threaten to overshadow this reputation, raising concerns about the potential for disputes and tensions during and after the elections.
For many Ghanaians, the December 7 polls represent more than just a choice between political parties. They symbolize an opportunity to strengthen the country’s democratic institutions and reaffirm its commitment to good governance. Ensuring a transparent and credible electoral process is therefore essential, not only for the legitimacy of the election results but also for the broader stability and development of the nation.
Mahama’s accusations have reignited the debate about the role of the Electoral Commission in safeguarding democracy. As the NDC and other stakeholders continue to raise concerns about the integrity of the process, the onus is
