NDC Refuses Peace Pact Commitment for 2024, Cites Unresolved Electoral Issues

Johnson Asiedu Nketia, the Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has reiterated the party’s refusal to commit to a peace pact ahead of the 2024 General Elections, citing unresolved issues that need to be addressed before any agreement can be considered. During a meeting with the National Peace Council on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, Asiedu Nketia outlined six key conditions that the party insists must be met before they will engage in any peace negotiations.

Among the NDC's demands is a requirement that several high-ranking government officials, including the President, the Inspector-General of Police, the Chief Justice, the National Security Coordinator, and the Attorney General, all sign the peace pact. Asiedu Nketia stressed that the NDC will not consider letting "bygones be bygones" without clear commitments from these officials.

Central to the NDC's position is the full implementation of the recommendations from the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election violence investigation. The party has also called for the prosecution of those responsible for violence during the 2020 elections and demanded an investigation into missing IT equipment from the Electoral Commission's warehouse.

The National Peace Council, represented by Maulvi Mohammed Bin Salih, urged all political parties to put aside animosity and cooperate to ensure peace in the lead-up to the elections. He emphasized that trust and goodwill from political leaders are essential to achieving a peaceful electoral process.

Despite the Peace Council's appeals, Asiedu Nketia remains firm that the NDC will not commit to any agreement unless their demands for accountability and electoral transparency are met. "President Akufo-Addo must openly declare his commitment to respecting the outcome of the 2024 elections," he insisted, making clear that the NDC's participation in any peace pact depends on the fulfillment of these conditions.