The New Patriotic Party (NPP) says President John Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) are setting the pace to incite violence and destabilize Ghana ahead of the 2024 December election.

According to the New Patriotic Party, recent rhetorics by former President Mahama and the NDC National Chairman Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketia point to a well-hatched plan calculated at disinforming the masses and preparing the minds of their members for violence.

Addressing the press in Koforidua, the Eastern Regional Chairman of the NPP Mr. Jeff Konadu Addo chronicled several comments by Mr. Mahama including the recent one referring to the clergymen, traditional leaders and CSOs as hypothetically.

He also mentioned a recent campaign by the NDC National Chairman Mr. Asiedu Nketia against the credibility of the Electoral Commission over a supposed electoral fraud.

"We condemn the recent inflammatory statements made by John Dramani Mahama, flag bearer of the NDC. Labeling respected leaders, like Pastors, Chiefs, Imams, and CSO’s as ‘hypocrites’ and the ruling NPP as a ‘foolish government’ is unacceptable.

"Such divisive rhetoric undermines national unity and promotes violence. We urge Mahama to adopt issue-based campaigning, promoting peace and tolerance instead. As Ghanaians, our diverse political views should unite us, not divide us. We must prioritize constructive dialogue and respect for one another," Jeff Konadu noted.

The NPP called on Mahama to refrain from insulting language and focus on unity, ensuring a peaceful electoral environment in the best interest of Ghana.

"With this privilege, we’re reminding former president to accept our invitation to engage in a constructive debate, focusing on substantive issues, innovative ideas, and verifiable data. We urge him to move beyond personal attacks and join us in a respectful exchange of perspectives," Mr Konadu stated.

Mr Konadu also says he is astonished that the NDC and its Chairman, Mr Nketia, are seeking the electoral commission to conduct a forensic audit into the electoral register over alleged anomalies identified, something he had condemned a few years ago.

Mr Konadu says such claims are baseless, demonstrating a clear lack of understanding of the electoral process and the measures put in place to ensure its integrity.

According to him, the NPP has been at the forefront of electoral reforms, championing initiatives that promote transparency, accountability, and fairness.

He outlined some notable electoral reforms championed by the NPP not limited to the introduction of transparent ballot boxes to prevent electoral malpractices, biometric machinery to ensure accurate voter verification and the colour photo ID currently being used.

He mentioned that, these measures demonstrate the NPP's commitment to a free, fair, and transparent electoral process, ensuring that the will of the people is reflected in the outcome of the elections.

"We urge the NDC to refrain from baseless attacks on the Electoral Commission. As a party that believes in democracy, we recognize the importance of allowing the Commission to perform its duties without interference.

"The Electoral Commission's independence is crucial to ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. We will continue to cooperate with the Electoral Commission, availing ourselves of its procedures and processes to ensure credible, and transparent elections."