The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has raised alarms over delays in the declaration of results from Ghana's December 7 elections. In a passionate appeal, the party urged the Electoral Commission (EC) to act swiftly to announce the official outcomes, warning that the delays are causing nationwide tension, particularly among the youth and party supporters.
At a press briefing held at the NDC’s headquarters, the party’s National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, expressed concerns that the prolonged silence from the EC is eroding public confidence and undermining national stability. He emphasized that the situation has created a breeding ground for frustration and agitation, calling for immediate action to preserve peace.
Asiedu Nketia revealed that the National Peace Council had reached out to the NDC, requesting that they counsel their youth to remain calm amid mounting frustrations. However, he made it clear that merely pacifying supporters without addressing the core issue—delayed election results—would be a temporary fix, rather than a sustainable solution.
“The root cause of the agitation is the delay in the declaration of results,” Asiedu Nketia stated emphatically. “We urge the Electoral Commission to act swiftly to restore confidence and calm in the nation.”
He further highlighted the detrimental impact of the delays on public trust in the electoral process, insisting that the EC must prioritize the timely announcement of results to ensure fairness and transparency. Asiedu Nketia added, “The best way to calm the youth and the citizens is by delivering justice through the prompt declaration of the election outcomes. This is what will assure Ghanaians that their voices have been heard.”
In a firm response to calls for calm, Asiedu Nketia referred to a similar situation during the 2020 elections when he persuaded the NDC’s supporters to remain peaceful amid allegations of electoral irregularities. According to him, the lack of justice in that instance has made it more difficult to appeal to the youth this time around.
“I have been called upon by the National Peace Council to speak to the youth of my party to remain calm, and I have responded that I did that four years ago. They were cheated, and nothing happened. The only way I can call on the youth of this country to remain calm is when justice has been delivered,” he said.
The party’s leader also reminded the EC and other stakeholders that they do not need to wait for the final tally of all constituencies to declare the winner of the presidential election. “You don’t need to declare all the constituency results before you can declare the winner of the presidential poll,” he said, urging the EC to speed up the collation process.
The NDC’s call for expedited action comes amid heightened anxieties across the country. Citizens are growing restless as they await the official announcement of the presidential and parliamentary results, with many expressing fears of potential unrest if the process drags on.
The situation has been further compounded by reports of violent incidents and confrontations in some parts of the country. The NDC has pointed to these tensions as evidence that the delays in declaring the results are already having serious consequences on national peace and stability.
In response to the NDC’s concerns, the Peace Council has pledged to engage all relevant stakeholders, including the EC, to address the issue. However, the council has also appealed to political parties to exercise restraint and avoid actions or rhetoric that could exacerbate tensions.
Asiedu Nketia, however, insisted that the onus lies squarely on the Electoral Commission to take decisive steps in resolving the crisis. “The EC must act now. It is the delay in announcing the results that is fueling anxiety and uncertainty. We cannot afford to jeopardize the peace and stability of this country,” he concluded.
Ghana’s elections have traditionally been a benchmark for democracy in Africa, but the ongoing delays have raised questions about the efficiency and transparency of the process. As the nation waits anxiously for the official results, the NDC’s call for action underscores the urgent need for the Electoral Commission to deliver on its mandate and safeguard the democratic principles that have long been the cornerstone of Ghana’s governance.
The situation serves as a critical reminder of the importance of timely communication and accountability in fostering trust and stability during election periods. With tensions running high, all eyes are now on the Electoral Commission to provide the clarity and resolution that Ghanaians are demanding.
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