NPP urges Police to ensure security at collation centres amid post-election tensions

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has called on the Ghana Police Service to strengthen security at collation centres following incidents of vandalism and alleged violence by supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).  

During a press conference in Accra, the NPP's General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, expressed concern over the delays in the announcement of parliamentary results, which have reportedly led to tensions and unrest in several constituencies.  

“We’re calling on the police, Mr IGP, the safety of this country is in your hands. Everybody is watching you, everybody is counting on you. Let your men provide maximum security at all collation centres so that officers of the Electoral Commission can do their constitutional duty of making sure we have credible parliamentary candidates-elect in our next Parliament,” he stated.  

NPP accuses NDC of violence and intimidation  

Mr. Frimpong accused the NDC of engaging in violent tactics to force the declaration of parliamentary results in their favour. He listed constituencies including Ablekuma North, Dome-Kwabenya, and Tema Central as hotspots where NDC supporters allegedly intimidated Electoral Commission (EC) officials and disrupted the collation process.  

“Such dastardly acts in the above constituencies threaten the foundations of our democracy and are very likely to trigger unrest and insecurity should the NPP respond in equal measure,” Mr. Frimpong noted.  

The General Secretary further alleged that police personnel at some affected collation centres were instructed to "stand down," thereby emboldening the perpetrators. 

He criticised the leadership of the Ghana Police Service, particularly Inspector General of Police Dr George Akuffo Dampare, for what he described as unprofessional handling of the unrest.  

NPP’s resolutions and appeal for action
  
The NPP announced its resolution to accept the presidential results but vowed to challenge what it termed the illegal declaration of parliamentary seats under duress.  

“The Party calls on the Electoral Commission to take the appropriate steps to overturn the illegal declarations made under threats and duress in favour of the NDC’s parliamentary candidates,” Mr. Frimpong declared.  

The party also appealed to key stakeholders, including the National Peace Council, Civil Society Organisations, and the diplomatic community, to condemn the unfolding violence.  

Commitment to peace

Despite the tensions, Mr. Frimpong affirmed the NPP’s commitment to peace and democratic principles, noting that the party has refrained from retaliation to maintain stability.  

“It is in the interest of keeping peace and protecting the sanctity of our 32-year-old democracy in the 4th Republic that we have desisted from any form of retaliation and violence,” he emphasised.    

The NPP reiterated its belief in the strength of Ghana’s democracy and urged the EC and security agencies to take decisive actions to uphold the integrity of the electoral process.