The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has said it will not recognise Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as president until it is satisfied with the outcome of its election petition.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Friday, the NDC general secretary, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, said: “We shall not recognise Akufo-Addo as a legitimately elected president of Ghana until all issues surrounding his election are satisfactorily resolved.”
However, Asiedu Nketiah said the party’s MPs will participate in vetting the ministers-designate of President Akufo-Addo.
President Akufo-Addo and his vice-president, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, were sworn in to office on Thursday (7 January 2021) after taking the oaths of office and secrecy.
The largest opposition party in Ghana is already in court challenging the outcome of Election 2020, describing it as “flawed”.
Election of the Speaker of the 8th Parliament and the fall outs https://t.co/cm6DCxQghw
— NDC Communications Bureau (@ndccommbureau) January 8, 2021
Mahama’s election petition seeks, among other things, a declaration from the Supreme Court to the effect that the purported declaration of the results of the 2020 presidential election on 9 December 2020 was unconstitutional, null and void and of no effect whatsoever.
He also wants the apex court to order a rerun of the election and stop Akufo-Addo from holding himself out as president.
“I won’t concede”
Mahama had said he is not conceding defeat after the 2020 elections “because of the dedication to principle and a commitment to democracy”.
“I’m here to assure you that I know what it is to act in the interest of peace … I know what it is to concede and I have done so before.
“In 2016 when the election was not called in my favour I conceded. I conceded not simply in the interest of peace and democracy, but because I respect the will of the people. I did then and I so do now.
“So, when I say that I’ll not concede in this election, please know that I’m not taking this decision lightly.
“Understand that it is not because of the desire for power but because of the dedication to principle and a commitment to democracy.
“Based on the irregular and inconsistent results that were reported, I have reasons to believe this election was not free, fair or transparent. And without those fundamental pillars in place, how can we be sure that the results announced truly represent the will of the people?” he noted.
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