NDC’s claim of winning majority in Parliament false, says Oppong Nkrumah
Oppong Nkrumah says Ghanaians should ignore John Mahama’s claims that the NDC has won a Parliamentary majority
- "This dog whistle to supporters by the candidate to jubilate – to get out on the streets, we’re happy the call has largely not been heeded by the Ghanaian public, because the people are discerning."
Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Minister for Information, has denied claims by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) that it has won a Parliamentary majority.
Oppong Nkrumah said Ghanaians should ignore Mahama’s assertions because the NDC is clearly losing the 2020 elections.
According to him, the call by the opposition for its supporters to start jubilating ahead of an official declaration by the Electoral Commission is a recipe to create confusion.
“A claim by Mr Mahama that his party has won a parliamentary majority is false. It is important at this point in time that this claim is shot down so that the public, some of whom may be going to bed tonight, the international community listening, doesn’t start getting that idea, that Mr. Mahama has won a parliamentary majority,” Oppong Nkrumah said at a press conference in Accra on Tuesday.
He added: “The second point – it’s a dangerous matter: this dog whistle to supporters by the candidate to jubilate – to get out on the streets, we’re happy the call has largely not been heeded by the Ghanaian public, because the people are discerning. But we think it must be said that it is categorically irresponsible and it flies in the face of good conduct and even the peace pact that the candidates signed.
“As the government we strongly urge all candidates to desist from such conduct. It has the potential to raise tensions to heighten anxiety and most importantly it will leave your supporters severely disappointed if and when an eventual loss is announced for you.
“No candidates at this stage should undermine the work of the EC, it is irresponsible and it would endanger the peace of this country.”
I’ve not congratulated anyone, says Mahama
Former President, John Mahama, has said he has not congratulated any of the presidential candidates in the just ended presidential elections.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Tuesday, Mahama warned against any attempt to “steal this election.”
“I have not congratulated any person. No attempt should be made to steal this election. We will resist it,” the 62-year-old said.
He added: “We thank the Ghanaian people for the confidence they’ve expressed in us, it’s clear, the Ghanaian people want change in this country. Ghanaians are tired of Akufo-Addo and his government. We thank the electorates for giving us a working majority in parliament: 140 seats in parliament, which is a majority, and no attempt should be made to subvert that.”
According to him, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has already secured 10 regions out of the 16.
“I’ve looked at the results collated so far and I’m excited and happy with the results and we’ve won in 10 regions out of 16 and the Ghanaian people have expressed confidence in us. We would resist any attempts to subvert the will of the people.
“Some of what is happening is unacceptable and Nana Akudo-Addo continues to show credentials that are very undemocratic. You cannot use the military to try and overturn some of the results in constituencies that we have won. We will resist any attempts to subvert the sovereign will of the Ghanaian people.”
He called on NDC supporters to “remain calm as we wait for the final verdict”, adding that “but we are happy that Ghanaians have voted for change, thank you.”
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