Story by, Nsor Paul Mensah
Accra, Ghana - In a press conference delivered at the Accra Freedom Center, the Arise for Change for Economic Growth (ACEG) group, affiliated with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) party, has raised concerns over alleged irregularities and corruption surrounding the recently concluded general elections in Ghana.
The ACEG national chairman, D.S. Mahama Iddrisu, began by thanking Ghanaian voters who supported the NDC presidential candidate, John Dramani Mahama, and the party's parliamentary candidates. He also expressed gratitude to election observers and the media for their efforts in ensuring a free and fair electoral process.
However, Iddrisu went on to allege that there were attempts by the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the Electoral Commission (EC) to manipulate results in certain constituencies to favor the NPP presidential and parliamentary candidates. He cited specific examples, including the Effutu, Damongo, and Techiman constituencies, where the ACEG claims the EC was complicit in irregularities such as replacing pink sheets and bribery.
The ACEG statement also raised concerns about the behavior of some police personnel on election day, alleging that their actions appeared partisan towards the NPP, undermining public trust in the police service.
Furthermore, the ACEG accused the outgoing NPP government of engaging in questionable activities, such as the president and chief of staff allegedly issuing allocation chits to NPP members to clear containers at ports with the support of customs officers.
The ACEG called on the media to remain objective and professional in their reporting, urging them to avoid bias and refrain from becoming "stomach politicians." The group also extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives during the election day voting process and called for justice to prevail.
The ACEG made several suggestions, including that NDC members and opinion leaders should take over offices such as the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs), the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), and work with coordinating directors to prevent outgoing officials from covering up corruption.
The group also called for the takeover of various state institutions, such as the Ghana Water Company, DVLA, and Youth Employment Agency, alleging that they were being used to support the NPP's campaign.
Lastly, the ACEG dismissed the propaganda that the president-elect, John Dramani Mahama, will cancel the Free SHS policy, urging Ghanaians to wait and see the truth for themselves.