Reprove your supporters to be peaceful during protests -NCCE to NDC
The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has urged the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) to ensure its supporters are peaceful during their protests.
The Electoral Commission (EC) announced President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as the winner of the December 7 polls on Wednesday, December 9, 2020.
But the party has rejected the results.
Its presidential candidate, Mr. John Dramani Mahama subsequently declared the party’s unwillingness to accept the outcome of the general elections.
Describing the outcome as the “real stolen verdict,” Mr. Mahama at a press conference on Thursday, December 10, 2020, said the party will audit the outcomes of the poll to inform its next step.
The party has thus embarked on a series of street protests nationwide to express concerns to register its displeasure.
During some of these protests, tires have been burnt and scuffles ensued between the supporters and the Ghana Police Service.
The NCCE said these protests are not healthy for Ghana’s peace.
“The NCCE notes that the voting process of the just ended Presidential and Parliamentary elections was largely peaceful, except for the isolated incidents of violence in some parts of the country and polling stations. The NCCE, however, expresses grave concern over the recurring demonstrations across the country, which are sometimes characterized by violent clashes between the Ghana Police Service and Military on one hand and supporters of the NDC following the rejection of the election results.”
“The NCCE urges all aggrieved political parties while exercising all lawful options for redress, to admonish their followers to desist from engaging in acts that heighten tension and threaten the peace and stability of the country.”
It also urged the political parties to build consensus to foster “national cohesion”.
“There is a need for consensus building on key national development issues and therefore urges all political actors to contribute their quota to national cohesion as a driver for development.”
The Commission made these comments in a press statement issued today, Thursday, December 24, 2020.
