The National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Damongo Constituency has raised serious concerns over alleged irregularities in the declaration of parliamentary results for the just-ended December 7 2024 elections.
Addressing the media at a press conference in Damongo, NDC Parliamentary Candidate, Hon. Adam Mutawakilu said the party condemned what it described as a fraudulent and unauthorized declaration of results by the Savannah Regional Elections Officer. The NDC stated that the declaration, conducted without the involvement of its representatives or adherence to electoral laws, is illegal and undermines the democratic process.
The party outlined key irregularities that have raised doubts about the credibility of the results. These include reports of missing ballot booklets, the unauthorized removal of ballot papers by the Municipal Electoral Director, unresolved over-voting in 13 polling stations, and the suspension of collation of results in the early hours of December 8, 2024, which has yet to resume.
Furthermore, the NDC noted that results from several polling stations remain outstanding, making any declaration premature. They accused the Savannah Regional Elections Officer, Mr. Johnson Akafia of conducting the declaration secretly in his office without the legally mandated Returning Officer or NDC representatives present. Video evidence circulating online purportedly shows the declaration being conducted in the absence of transparency, with only security personnel present.
In the address, Hon, Adam Mutawakilu made several demands to restore credibility to the process. These include the immediate resolution of issues concerning the 13 outstanding polling stations and the missing ballot booklets, the resumption of collation by the Returning Officer in the presence of all stakeholders, and a reversal of what the party described as a fraudulent declaration. They also called for accountability from the Electoral Commission and adherence to proper procedures moving forward. The party warned that failure to act on these demands within 24 hours would result in legal action, including criminal proceedings.
The NDC emphasized its commitment to peace but warned against interpreting this stance as tolerance for electoral malpractice. Hon. Adam Mutawakilu stressed that the party’s actions are aimed at safeguarding the integrity of Ghana’s democracy and ensuring that the will of the people is respected.
The NDC also formally presented a petition to the Damongo Chief and the Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom, seeking their intervention to uphold fairness and transparency in the electoral process. The petition underscored the party’s determination to ensure that due process is followed to reflect the true will of the people of the Damongo Constituency.
The NDC concluded by urging the Electoral Commission, civil society organizations, and international observers to take swift action to address the issues raised. The party reaffirmed its resolve to protect the democratic process and called on all stakeholders to join in demanding transparency and accountability in this critical matter.
Gogu Edwin
