The Opposition National Democratic Congress is planning to establish private security teams to oversee and safeguard the ballot boxes at polling stations during the upcoming elections.
During the campaign launch at the Manhyia North constituency on Sunday, Ashanti Regional Chairman, Andrews Nana Akwasi revealed the party’s intentions.
The party cited concerns about the electoral commission’s credibility as the driving force behind this initiative, with the goal of ensuring a transparent and fair election process.
Mr. Akwasi said the party will constitute its own private security to guard the various polling stations because they do not trust the EC.
“We are telling the NPP that this time around, our polling agents and branches will establish our own security teams to safeguard our ballots. So, our polling agents here should know that the party will be forming a security team to ensure the protection of the ballots,” he stated.
“For any NPP members who may not be aware, if on December 7 you attempt any tactics to disrupt activities at the polling stations, the NDC is prepared because we lack trust in the EC. Sp we’re going to prepare ourselves,” he further indicated.
Supporters of the NDC flooded the streets of Manhyia North, clad in the party’s attire as part of the constituency’s campaign launch.
The supporters expressed their confidence of a potential victory for their party.
Parliamentary candidate Hamza Swallah stated that the significant turnout indicates a potential victory for the opposition.
He expressed confidence in winning the constituency for the first time, attributing this to the mismanagement and lack of development by the NPP in the area.
On her part, former attorney General and Minister of Justice, Betty Mould Iddrisu is convinced the NDC will poll significant votes in the governing NPP’s stronghold.
“We are in Kumasi, which consists of 11 constituencies that have traditionally resulted in significant losses for us in the NDC. In the 2020 election, we experienced a major defeat here, but this time around, we are very optimistic. The enthusiasm displayed by the average person on the street, especially us Ashantis, has been truly marvelous and miraculous,” she stated.
Regional Secretary, Dr. Frank Amoakohene criticized the NPP on the neglect of the national stadiums, resulting in their deterioration as well as the introduction of the betting tax.
He said, “When the NPP came into power, we had our sports stadiums. The football matches that bring joy to Ghana have been disrupted by the current government, leaving our stadiums in a sorry state. It’s disheartening that the Black Stars now have to play their matches outside of Ghana. We even had to ask Cote D’Ivoire for a venue, but they declined, fearing that Akuffo Addo and Bawumia would also damage their stadium.”
Dr. Frank Amoakohene also said that when Ghana sought assistance from Nigeria, they were turned away.
“The current administration has caused significant harm to the football sector in the country. A 10 percent tax has also been imposed on sports betting, despite the fact that it often yields minimal returns thereby affecting the earnings of the youth,” he stated.
By Nelly Takyiwa Boateng
