The National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has accused the Electoral Commission (EC) of fueling suspicion and tension across the country by delaying the declaration of certified results from the 2024 elections.Addressing the media, Mr. Asiedu Nketia criticised the EC for its “feet-dragging” despite both the NDC and New Patriotic Party (NPP) presenting consistent collated results.

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According to the NDC’s figures, their candidate, John Mahama, secured over 56% of the vote, a result which Asiedu Nketia claims has been further validated by the NPP’s concession.“If we, as stakeholders, have our results, what is preventing the EC, which holds the originals, from doing the same? Their silence is fueling agitation and confusion, especially among the youth,” he said.

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He attributed reports of growing unrest at collation centres to the EC’s lack of communication, stating:“Our agents are at these centres, and they are frustrated. The youth are reacting to the uncertainty created by the EC’s refusal to declare the results.”The NDC Chairman accused the EC of neglecting its duty to ease tensions and promote peace.“When the EC delays, it sends the wrong signals and creates suspicion.

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If there are challenges impeding their work, they should be transparent and communicate that to the public,” he urged.Mr. Asiedu Nketia also criticised the EC’s perceived dismissive attitude, referencing a recent statement by a Deputy Commissioner who indicated the EC would not bow to pressure.“This isn’t about pressure; it’s about their mandate to serve the people.

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They must rise above any external influences and do the right thing,” he said.He emphasized the NDC’s commitment to maintaining calm but warned that their supporters’ patience was running thin.“I have been called upon to calm the youth, but I cannot do that when they feel cheated. Justice must first be done, and that starts with the EC declaring the results,” he insisted.

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Asiedu Nketia called on the National Peace Council and civil society organizations to intervene and ensure the EC fulfills its obligation promptly.“Ghana’s peace depends on justice, and justice in this case is tied to the EC performing its duties transparently and promptly,” he concluded.

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