The National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for Guan, Fred Agbenyo, has expressed concerns over the transparency and integrity of Ghana’s electoral process.
Addressing a range of issues, the candidate highlighted the importance of fair elections and questioned the ability of the Electoral Commission (EC) to ensure a level playing field.
According to him, the NDC is not a crying baby, however the party’s commitment is to uphold democratic principles and understands what elections have done to several countries across the globe.
“NDC is not a crying baby, NDC knows what rigged elections can create. NDC understands what elections have done to several countries across the globe. And so, when we see the red flags, it’s only fair and proper that we bring them out. Because we want a free, fair, and transparent election“, he stated in an interview with Johnnie Hughes on 3FM Sunrise Morning Show on April 16.
Regarding the missing Biometric Verification Devices (BVDs) at the Electoral Commission’s facilities, Agbenyo recounted the initial response from the EC, denying any missing equipment. However, subsequent revelations during an Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting acknowledged the disappearance of items, prompting an investigation by the police.
Highlighting the meticulous protocols in place at the Electoral Commission, the Agbenyo questioned how such critical equipment could go missing without accountability.
“If you check the operations of the Electoral Commission the items are not just lying there for anybody to go and pick. Every single item that leads to that Commission is assigned to an officer. Every single item of that Commission as code. And so you are able to track every particular device, so under no circumstances can anything get missing and you don’t know who is keeping it or who you handing it over to”, he stated.
Agbenyo also expressed skepticism regarding the impartiality of the Electoral Commission’s IT department, alleging the presence of individuals with affiliations to the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
“We know what is happening with Electoral Commission IT department. We know the caliber of persons, NPP known persons, whom they are describing as IT experts who they have packed at the place,” he claimed.
Furthermore, he voiced concerns about the potential manipulation of election results, citing instances where announced results were changed multiple times. “For the first time results were announced and changed 6 times, till date I don’t know the election results he gets that president Akuffo Addo is using as a president of Ghana,” he asserted.
Agbenyo underscored the party’s determination to uphold the peace and integrity of Ghana’s electoral process.
“We have said that the peace of this country matters to us,” he affirmed. “We are going to insist that the right thing is done that whoever is voted for by the people of this country, that person on the 7th January 2025 will assume the presidency and the leadership of our country,” he added.
By Joselyn Kafui Nyadzi