Professor Dr Grace Ayensu Danquah, the National Democratic Congress’ Parliamentary candidate for Essikado Ketan constituency has rejected allegations that she sanctioned the destruction of flags of the New Patriotic Party in the constituency.

Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, November 3, 2024, Professor Dr Ayensu Danquah described the allegations as a “smear campaign” aimed at creating disaffection for her in the constituency.

She defended her innocence, insisting that she had executed her campaign within the confines of the law and not acted in a way that would stoke fire in the constituency.

Professor Dr Ayensu Danquah used the opportunity to outline some major interventions she has so far implemented in the constituency and urged the constituents to vote for her and help her wrestle the seat from the NPP.

Read the full statement below

Press Statement: Setting the Record Straight

Ladies and gentlemen of the press, we appreciate your prompt attendance at this conference. We're here to address and debunk malicious propaganda circulating in pro-NPP media outlets. These false claims suggest our esteemed parliamentary candidate, Dr. Prof. Grace Ayensu Danquah, instructed party supporters to dismantle NPP flags in Essikado. This is unequivocally false.

The NPP's smear campaign against Dr. Ayensu Danquah is a calculated attempt to undermine her candidacy, as they view her as a threat to their 20-year dominance in the constituency. This agenda began with social media attacks questioning her qualifications as a medical surgeon. When that failed, they targeted her royal lineage and native status in Essikado. Their latest tactic is to label her arrogant, temperamental, and disrespectful.

We urge you to note that Dr. Ayensu Danquah has an impeccable record, with no history of altercations or run-ins with the law. Her generosity extends beyond party lines, evident in her numerous charitable endeavors, including:

- Free Medical Care: She has single-handedly covered medical bills for numerous individuals.

- Free Eye Operations: Providing free eye operations and medicated glasses.

- Free Plastic Surgeries: Currently working on offering free plastic surgeries for those with burn scars.

The NPP's provocations began with defacing Dr. Ayensu Danquah's campaign materials and replacing them with their own. Despite this, Dr. Ayensu Danquah advocates for peace, urging her supporters not to retaliate.

The provocation reached its peak when the NPP decided to hang their flags directly over the NDC's flags and campaign materials right in front of Dr. Ayensu Danquah's campaign office, specifically at the Dr. Grace Mall, also known as Hospital Junction. This was a deliberate move to antagonize and intimidate the NDC supporters.

Imagine the frustration and anger that would come with seeing your opponent's flags hovering over your own campaign headquarters. It's a clear attempt to assert dominance and undermine the NDC's presence in the constituency.

But what's even more concerning is that the NPP didn't stop there. They took it a step further by involving the police, which raises questions about their intentions and the potential for escalating violence ¹.

The National Peace Council has condemned such acts of provocation, emphasizing the need for peaceful campaigning ¹. It's crucial that both parties maintain a respectful and peaceful atmosphere throughout the election process.

Provocation Timeline:

- Defacing Campaign Materials: NPP supporters defaced Dr. Ayensu Danquah's campaign materials and replaced them with their own.

- Hanging Flags Over NDC Materials: NPP supporters hung their flags directly over NDC materials at the Dr. Grace Mall.

- Police Involvement: NPP involved police escort for hanging flags, raising concerns about intentions and potential violence.

This deliberate escalation of provocation is unacceptable and undermines the democratic process.

We emphasize that the NDC and Dr. Ayensu Danquah prioritize peace while ensuring they defend their interests within legal and constitutional bounds.

Thank you for your attention.

Long live Essikado Ketan Constituency! Long live the NDC!

AM/EK

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