The Council of Elders of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has criticized the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for consistently refusing to adhere to the principles of peaceful, free, and fair elections.

In a statement issued on Tuesday just before the crucial 7th December elections, the NDC elders expressed concerns that the recent signing of a peace pact by all presidential candidates would be meaningless unless the ruling NPP genuinely commits to peaceful electoral conduct.  

The Council accused the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia NPP government of being desperate to cling to power, despite what they described as the “dismal state of affairs in Ghana” under their administration.  

According to the NDC elders, the majority of Ghanaians are clamouring for change. However, they doubted the current government's willingness to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections devoid of intimidation and abuse of incumbency.  

The statement further accused the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration of impoverishing Ghanaians, including pensioners, and neglecting the country’s critical infrastructure needs over the past eight years.

Instead, they alleged the government has resorted to attempting to sway voters with last-minute development projects and handouts just days before the elections.  

The Council also alleged plans by the government to replicate the disturbances witnessed during the 2019 Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election and the 2020 Techiman South shootings.  

The NDC’s Council of Elders called on Ghanaians to stand up and defend democracy, urging them to put an end to what they described as “eight years of impunity, corruption, greed, arrogance, and nepotism.”