Nana Akufo-Addo meet GJA to explain why NPP did not accept the results

Accra, Dec. 26, GNA - Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has met with the National Executive of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) to explain why the party has decided not to accept the results of the 2012 elections.

The meeting, which was held at the GJA's premises was also to explain measures being taking to address their grievances in a manner that would ensure peace and stability.

Briefing the GJA leadership, Nana Akufo-Addo said 'the NPP came to the conclusion after examining evidence available to us that the results that was put out by the Electoral Commission (EC) were not a true reflection of what actually transpired and that is why we have chosen to challenge in the constitutionally designated forum, the Supreme Court, the results of the December 7 polls.'

He explained that the party considered it important, to call personally on some key organizations and give them a first-hand briefing of what the party's position is.

He said, 'contrary to the propaganda that is being fuelled out there by some members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) that the NPP are inviting trouble for our country, we are for the respect of democratic values in an atmosphere of peace and stability and will never do anything that will undermine the peace of Ghana.'

The NPP Presidential Candidate added that 'under it all is one sacred principle that in a democracy, the people who cast the votes must have their voice prevail and not those who count collate or declare it.'

He said it was the voice of those, who cast the votes that was sovereign in the contest of a thriving democracy and that principle must be respected and adhered to at all times.

Nana Akufo-Addo stated that 'the NPP tradition has always stood for the respect for rule of law and democratic accountability where there will be freedom of speech and freedom of political association and we are happy to see a Ghana that is very much near these values.'

He said the party with the evidence at hand would present to the Supreme Court for redress and used the occasion to express his apology to the journalists who were attacked and molested by party supporters, adding please do accept our profound apology and we would ensure that it does not happen again'.

Mr Ransford Tetteh on behalf of the GJA congratulated Nana Akufo-Addo and the NPP for the brave action in using the democratically prescribed channel to address their grievances - 'that is the beauty of democracy'.

'Choosing to go to court with your grievances is truly a mark of maturity and our people will be there to give it full media coverage for the whole world to know the proceedings. I commend you for deciding to go with the laws of Ghana and not resort to other means that have plunged other countries into confusion and civil unrest.'

Nana Akufo-Addo was accompanied by Mr Fred Oware Deputy Party Chairman; Boniface Siddique Abubakar, Former Employment and Social Welfare Minister; MP for Ayawaso West Wuogon, Akosua Frema; Former Information Minister, Madam Oboshie Sai Coffie; Ms Elizaberth Ohene, former Minister of State in charge of Tertiary Education; and  Professor Gyan Baffour, Former Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Planning.

GNA