Elections are won at polling stations, not police training schools – Asiedu Nketia

The Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has criticised the ongoing activities at the Tesano Police Training School, where the Electoral Commission (EC) is collating results from disputed constituencies.

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, [December 13, 2024], Mr Nketia described the process as illegal and inconsistent with Ghana’s electoral laws.

“We in the NDC believe that what is happening at the police training school amounts to illegality. It is not founded on any electoral law, nor is it based on any consensus reached by the parties and the Electoral Commission,” he stated.

NDC’s position on electoral law

Mr Nketia emphasised that Ghana’s electoral framework is clear: elections are won or lost at polling stations.

He pointed out that the law mandates presiding officers at polling stations to declare results in the presence of party agents, after which they are signed and shared with all stakeholders.

He described the Tesano process as a breach of this protocol and accused the EC of acting without consultation.

“The law requires that results are declared at polling stations and verified at constituency collation centres. This ensures transparency and accountability. What is happening at Tesano undermines these safeguards,” he asserted.

Allegations of collusion

The NDC chairman alleged that the EC, in collaboration with the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), attempted to manipulate the election results through the process at Tesano.

According to him, the EC had misinformed the police that all political parties had agreed to the process, a claim he categorically denied.

“We were not consulted on this so-called collation process at Tesano. We have instructed our officials not to participate in this illegality,” Mr Nketia said, warning that those involved could face legal consequences in the future.

Legal Action and Broader Implications

The NDC has filed an injunction to halt the activities at the Tesano Police Training School, warning that any Electoral Commission officials or police personnel involved could face legal repercussions. 

Mr Nketia called on the EC to adhere strictly to the established legal framework for elections to maintain public trust and the integrity of the process.

He further urged Ghanaians to remain vigilant, stating, “We are putting the EC and all other people involved in this illegality on notice that their actions could have serious consequences in the future. Our electoral system must be safeguarded, and we will ensure it is cleaned of such practices.”