Thousands of National Democratic Congress (NDC) supporters, party executives, Members of Parliament, and former appointees from all 33 constituencies in the Eastern Region gathered in Koforidua for a demonstration on Tuesday morning, calling for a free and fair election on December 7.
Other smaller parties as well as an Independent Parliamentary candidate in New Juaben South, Evans Appiah, also joined the demonstration.
The protest, which began at 9:15 a.m at Prisons park was led by the party’s Regional Executives,Members if Parliament, former appointees and the National Youth Organizer, George Opare Addo.
The protesters, held placards with messages expressing dissatisfaction with the Electoral Commission (EC), marched through the city amidst a heavy police presence.
Hundreds of Police officers, equipped with riot control gear, were stationed along the protest route, with many surrounding the EC’s regional office in Koforidua, where NDC leadership presented a petition demanding electoral transparency.
Dr. Mark Oliver Kevor, the NDC’s Eastern Regional Chairman, handed over the petition, calling on the EC to ensure a credible election.
He said there are widespread discrepancies in the voters register in Eastern Region.
Speaking to the crowd after the presentation, George Opare Addo urged prominent traditional leaders, including Asantehene Otumfuor Osei Tutu, Okyenhene Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, and the National House of Chiefs, to intervene and hold the EC accountable.
“We have presented our petition to the EC in a civilized manner. We are a law-abiding political party, but when the need arises, we will rise up,” Opare Addo said. He warned that if the EC attempted to subvert the will of the people, Ghana “would not remain the same.” He stressed that the NDC would accept nothing less than victory in the upcoming elections, as they believe that “change is coming.”
Opare Addo also called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to uphold his responsibility to ensure peace during the elections.
He reminded the president that former President John Mahama handed over a peaceful country in 2016 and urged Akufo-Addo to do the same on January 7, 2025.
“Make sure that no Ghanaian life is touched on December 7, and protect every single Ghanaian life so you can enjoy your retirement in peace,” Opare Addo advised.
The NDC Youth Organizer concluded by rallying supporters to remain committed to the cause, emphasizing that the December election is not just about the NDC or John Mahama but about the future of Ghana. He highlighted issues such as the destruction of water bodies, threats to livelihoods, and the government’s inability to meet basic needs, urging Ghanaians to demand change and reset the country on a better course.
The demonstration in Koforidua was part of a larger NDC effort to push for electoral reforms ahead of the December general elections.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
