Election 2024: Asiedu Nketia questions ECOWAS, AU over Akufo-Addo’s influence on key election institutions

Chairman of the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has expressed concern over the inaction of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU) regarding President Akufo-Addo's actions, which he believes could cause havoc during and after the December 7 polls.

Mr. Nketia highlighted that the three institutions that play a major role in elections — the Electoral Commission, Police, and Judiciary — have their leaders appointed by President Akufo-Addo.

He questioned the functioning of democracy under these circumstances, especially when the president openly declares that he will not hand over power to an opposition party.

Speaking on CTV’s morning show, Dwabo, Mr. Nketia asked, "Can you have a functioning democracy when the three pillars in charge of elections — Police, EC, and Judiciary — have their leaders appointed by the President, and the President publicly making statements that he won’t hand over power [to an opposition party]? Is it not a cause of worry?"

He criticised ECOWAS and the AU for their passive stance, saying, "ECOWAS is sitting aloof watching him, the African Union is looking on. They are waiting for the citizens of Ghana to put their destinies in their own hands, and when there’s an uprising, they will intervene and call for the restoration of democracy and order soldiers from Niger to intervene."

Mr. Nketia acknowledged the efforts of civil society and the media in raising awareness but said that more needs to be done. "We must make the president know that there’s no power above the people’s power," he added.

—Classfmonline