The Professional Forum, a pro-NDC group has described as appalling attempts by the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) to distort its stance in the matter involving the Peace Council.
It would be recalled that the Chairman of the National Democratic Congress during an interview said the party will not sign any peace pact.
“Signing a peace declaration doesn’t mean anything to the party, as previous pacts have not yielded any real results,” Asiedu Nketia stated.
In reaction, the NPP urged the NDC to rescind its decision.
“The NPP wishes to make a passionate appeal to the NDC to reconsider their posture by reason of the national interest and desist from making statements likely to fuel tensions in the political atmosphere with far-reaching implications for the peace and security of our dear country,” General Secretary of NPP, Justin Kodua Frimpong wrote.
In a statement issued and signed by the National President, Ambassador Sam Pee Yalley, the group said the largest opposition party has over the years not shied away from peace pacts initiated by the Peace Council or any other organisation.
However, the NDC would not be compelled by any means to do so.
“The NDC has always been committed to peaceful elections and has demonstrated this through its actions, not just empty words. The NDC has consistently called for a peaceful and transparent electoral process, and has worked tirelessly to ensure that its supporters understand the importance of peaceful conduct,” he said.
Ambassador Yalley added that “The NDC may be willing to sign a genuine and meaningful Peace Pact, but we will not be bullied or coerced into doing so.”
“We, the NDC Professionals Forum (NDC PROFODUM), are appalled, but not surprised, by the NPP’s predictable attempt to twist and distort the NDC’s position on the Peace Council’s request to sign a Peace Pact. The NPP’s letter is a blatant display of hypocrisy and dishonesty, and we will not stand idly by while they try to deceive the good people of Ghana,” he stressed.
Below is the full statement from Proforum.
The NDC has always been committed to peaceful elections and has demonstrated this through its actions, not just empty words. The NDC has consistently called for a peaceful and transparent electoral process, and has worked tirelessly to ensure that its supporters understand the importance of peaceful conduct.
In contrast, the NPP has a history of violence and intimidation, and their letter is nothing more than a weak attempt to deflect attention from their own shortcomings. We will not be lectured by a party that has consistently demonstrated a disregard for the democratic process and the rule of law.
Furthermore, we call on President Akufo-Addo to openly condemn the following egregious incidents:
1. The military invasion of Parliament, which was a blatant attack on Ghana’s democracy and the rule of law.
2. The murder of innocent 8 young people during the 2020 elections, which was a senseless and tragic loss of life.
3. The murder of Ahmed Suale, a journalist who was simply doing his job.
4. The murder of Kaka, an activist who was passionately advocating for justice.
5. The Ayawaso West Wuogon election violence, which was a shameful display of thuggery and intimidation.
We demand that the President takes concrete steps to address these incidents and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. Anything less would be a betrayal of the trust of the Ghanaian people.
The NDC may be willing to sign a genuine and meaningful Peace Pact, but we will not be bullied or coerced into doing so. We demand a genuine commitment to peace and transparency from the NPP, and expect them to take concrete steps to address their own history of violence and intimidation.
Ghanaians deserve better than the NPP’s cynical gamesmanship. We deserve a genuine commitment to peace and democracy, and we will continue to fight for it.
Signed
Amb. Sam Pee Yalley
National President, NDC Professionals Forum (NDC PROFODUM)
