The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced plans to create private security teams to safeguard ballot boxes during the upcoming elections.

This decision was revealed by Ashanti Regional Chairman, Andrews Nana Akwasi, during the party's campaign launch at Manhyia North constituency on Sunday.

"We are informing the NPP that this time around, our polling agents and branches will establish our own security teams to protect our ballots," Nana Akwasi declared.

"Our polling agents should know that the party will form a security team to ensure the protection of the ballots."

The NDC cited concerns about the credibility of the Electoral Commission (EC) as the primary reason for this initiative, aiming to ensure a fair and transparent election process.

"For any NPP members who may try to disrupt activities on December 7, the NDC is prepared because we lack trust in the EC," Nana Akwasi added.

The campaign launch attracted a large crowd of NDC supporters, dressed in party colours, filling the streets of Manhyia North.

Parliamentary candidate Hamza Swallah expressed optimism, noting the impressive turnout and signalling a strong chance for the opposition to win the constituency for the first time.

He pointed to the ruling New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) alleged mismanagement and lack of development as key factors behind the NDC’s growing support.

Former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Betty Mould Iddrisu, also expressed confidence in the NDC’s chances, predicting substantial gains in what has traditionally been an NPP stronghold.

"We are in Kumasi, which consists of 11 constituencies where we have historically faced significant losses.

In 2020, we had a major setback here. But this time, the enthusiasm shown by the ordinary people, particularly Ashantis, is remarkable," she said.

Additionally, NDC Regional Secretary Dr Frank Amoakohene criticised the NPP for neglecting national stadiums, which he said have fallen into disrepair, and for implementing the betting tax, which he argued hurts the public.