The NDC’s Volta Regional Secretary, James Gunu, has stated that whatever happens constitutionally, the current president, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, would pass up office a month before the December 7 general elections.
Highlighting parts of Ghana’s 1992 constitution that outline this, he stressed that any attempt by members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to scare electorates with statements about not giving up power will be futile.
James Gunu, a former District Chief Executive for Akatsi North under the NDC, stated on Facebook that remarks like those made by Bryan Acheampong, the Member of Parliament for Abetifi and Minister of Food and Agriculture, will not suffice.
“Section 6 of Act 845 requires the outgoing President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and his driver’s mate, Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, as well as all of their appointees, including key figures such as Brayn Acheampong, to prepare and submit their handover notes no later than 30 days before the date of the upcoming general elections.
“However, recent statements coming from President Nana Addo, Lord Commey, and lately Brayn Acheampong to the effect that, the NPP won’t hand over power to the NDC no matter the outcome of the 2024 general elections can only be coming from a desperate and arrogant President and government official,” he said.
James Gunu also mentioned how such sentiments and instances of places where people refused to hand over political authority had resulted in chaos, warning the NPP to stop making such statements.
He underscored that the NDC will keep the NPP responsible to the constitution’s transitional provisions, ensuring that they are properly implemented.
“We have all witnessed the disastrous impact on nations whose incumbent Presidents and administrations lost office and refused to relinquish control within the subregion.
At the very least, the Presidential Transition Act emphasizes the democratic values found in the Fourth Republican Constitution of 1992, which states that power ultimately belongs to the people. The NPP government would benefit from sticking to the Act.
“The NDC, on the other hand, sees this as an opportunity to hold the NPP accountable and ensure that they do not use the 1992 Constitution to maintain power. We would strictly adhere to the Presidential Transition Act and underline our position as a watchdog and defender of Ghana’s democratic ideals,” he said.
It is worth noting that Bryan Acheampong, the MP for Abetifi, recently restated his position that the NPP will not cede power to the NDC, no matter what.
“Last year, I stood here in Mpraeso and declared that whether the NDC likes it or not, they will never win the 2024 elections. Will power be transferred to you if you do not win an election? We shall not hand.
We will not hand it up to them today or tomorrow,” he stated during a recent campaign engagement for his party.
