The National Peace Council (NPC) has issued a clarification regarding the recent re-collation exercise conducted at the Tesano Police Training School, asserting that the initiative originated from the Electoral Commission (EC) and not from any political party or the Ghana Police Service.
This clarification comes in response to the suspension of the re-collation exercise, which was halted to allow for further engagement with political parties amidst escalating tensions surrounding the electoral process.
On December 12, the police disclosed that the EC had requested the use of the Police Training School as a secure venue for the re-collation exercise. However, disagreements over the methodology and transparency of the process prompted its suspension. The NPC’s statement emphasizes the importance of understanding the origins of the re-collation exercise to mitigate misunderstandings among stakeholders.
During a press conference held on December 13, Asiedu Nketiah, the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), criticized the re-collation exercise mandated by the EC for specific constituencies, including Suhum, Nsawam Adoagyiri, Fanteakwa North, and Akwatia. Nketiah argued that the exercise lacked legal justification and raised concerns about its implications for the electoral integrity in the affected constituencies, which have been at the center of disputes regarding the initial collation of results.
The re-collation exercise has drawn significant attention due to the contentious nature of the elections in these constituencies. Reports of irregularities and disputes over the counting of votes have fueled apprehension among political parties and their supporters. As a result, the NPC’s intervention underscores the critical need for dialogue and consensus-building among political actors to address the ongoing disputes constructively.
In light of these developments, the NPC has called upon political parties to resolve their grievances through legal channels, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law in the electoral process. The council has also urged the EC to convene an urgent meeting of the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC), which involves representatives from all political parties and key stakeholders, to facilitate discussions aimed at reaching a consensus and breaking the current deadlock.
The NPC’s appeal for collaboration reflects a broader commitment to fostering peace and stability within the political landscape. By encouraging open dialogue and engagement among political parties, the council aims to mitigate tensions and promote an environment conducive to fair and transparent elections. The NPC has expressed its willingness to engage with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the concerns of political parties are addressed and that the electoral process is conducted in a manner that upholds democratic principles.
As the situation continues to evolve, the NPC remains vigilant and committed to fostering a peaceful resolution to the ongoing disputes surrounding the re-collation exercise. The council recognizes the importance of maintaining public confidence in the electoral process and is dedicated to ensuring that the grievances of political parties are addressed adequately.
In its statement, the NPC also reiterated the need for the EC to uphold its responsibilities and to act transparently in managing the electoral process. The council stressed that a collaborative approach among the EC, political parties, and other stakeholders is essential to achieving a successful resolution to the current impasse. By fostering an atmosphere of trust and cooperation, the NPC believes that the parties involved can work towards a common goal of ensuring free and fair elections.
The clarification from the NPC serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in the electoral process. The credibility of elections is paramount to the health of democracy, and all stakeholders must work together to uphold the integrity of the system. As political tensions continue to simmer, the call for dialogue and legal resolution becomes increasingly vital.
Moreover, the NPC’s initiative to facilitate discussions among political parties highlights its role as a mediator in the ongoing electoral disputes. The council’s commitment to engaging with all parties demonstrates its recognition of the complex dynamics at play in Ghana’s political landscape. By advocating for constructive dialogue, the NPC aims to create an environment where grievances can be addressed without resorting to confrontation or conflict.
The political landscape in Ghana has faced numerous challenges in recent years, and the current situation surrounding the re-collation exercise is a reflection of the broader issues at hand. As political parties navigate their differences, the NPC’s emphasis on dialogue and legal resolution serves as a guiding principle for achieving lasting peace and stability.
In conclusion, the National Peace Council’s clarification regarding the re-collation exercise initiated by the Electoral Commission highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in the electoral process. The ongoing tensions among political parties underscore the need for dialogue and cooperation to address grievances and ensure the integrity of the elections. The NPC’s call for an urgent meeting of the Inter-Party Advisory Committee is a proactive step towards fostering collaboration and finding a resolution to the current deadlock. As Ghana continues to navigate its political landscape, the commitment to peaceful dialogue remains crucial in upholding democratic values and ensuring a fair electoral process.
The NPC is poised to continue its engagement with all stakeholders to facilitate a resolution that respects the rule of law and promotes the collective interests of the nation.
13-Dec-2024-NPC-calls-for-due-process-at-Tesano-Police-Training-School1
