The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has officially responded to President Akufo-Addo's recent remarks regarding his reluctance to hand over power to former president John Dramani Mahama, whom he defeated twice.

Akufo-Addo reiterated this stance on two occasions in the past few weeks, first during an event in the northern region and later in Doboro, Greater Accra Region.

In a statement issued on May 16, 2024, NDC General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey reminded Akufo-Addo of the peaceful transfer of power he experienced from Mahama after losing two elections himself.

"In an unprecedented declaration, we have a sitting President who, despite being the beneficiary of a peaceful transfer of power, now declares his unwillingness to hand over power to someone he previously defeated. This raises concerns about the integrity of our democratic principles.

"President Akufo-Addo, basking in the fleeting glory of the power he literally begged Ghanaians for, seems to have forgotten that he, too, was defeated in the 2008 and 2012 elections, yet power was graciously transferred to him in 2017,@ Kwetey said during a press briefing.

“'Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh.' This revelation speaks volumes about his intentions and the potential peril to our nation’s stability. What the NPP, unfortunately fails to understand is that the NDC stands prepared and vigilant, ready to ensure free and transparent elections, even at the risk of our own lives," he stressed.

Kwetey emphasized that Akufo-Addo's comments reveal his intentions and pose a potential threat to the nation's stability. He reiterated the NDC's commitment to ensuring free and fair elections, even at personal risk.

The press conference, initially intended to address issues related to the Electoral Commission and the ongoing Limited Voters Registration Exercise, also highlighted the challenges faced during the process.

Akufo-Addo, who lost his first presidential bid in 2008 and again in 2012, eventually assumed office after winning the 2016 elections.

Mahama, on the other hand, lost his reelection bid in 2016 and 2020.

He is the NDC's flagbearer for the 2024 elections, with Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia as his main opponent.