NDC INTIMIDATION CAMPAIGN MUST STOP!

On Friday, March 28, the National Democratic Congress once again, resumed its campaign of violence and intimidation against political opponents. After visiting with the Chief Imam, Sheikh Usmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the New Patriotic Party Presidential Candidate and his delegation were attacked by NDC goons.

The thugs who were in the company of the NDC leader, Prof. John Evans Atta Mills, were apparently returning with him from a mini political rally held nearby. As confirmed on radio Friday evening by Mr Koku Anyidoho, Prof. Mills’ Communication Director, the Prof. Mills convoy chose to disregard the advice of the police officers on duty to the NDC to take a different route, since vehicles and supporters of the NPP were temporarily on the street immediately in front of the Chief Imam’s office.

After defying the orders of the law enforcement officers, a group of raging NDC thugs, led by Collins Dauda, the Member of Parliament for Asutifi South, stormed the Chief Imam’s building, charging towards Nana Akufo-Addo and his entourage, who were then making their way down the stairs after their meeting with the Holy Man.

The unprovoked incident degenerated into the throwing of stones, water and sticks at the NPP members by the thugs accompanying the NDC leader and flag bearer, Prof. Mills.

While the timely action by the security personnel and NPP members prevented the mob from harming Nana Akufo-Addo, other NPP members were not so fortunate. Some were hit by stones, water bottles, flags and fists. Several members were injured, amongst them women, who were later rushed to the Police Hospital for emergency treatment.

Irate NPP members who wanted to retaliate were persuaded by party leaders to exercise restraint. This incident is not an isolated one. Right from the beginning of this election year, the NDC has embarked on a campaign, desecrating this country’s electoral system, intimidating other parties, infusing fear into the hearts of the electorate and sowing doubt in the minds of the general public in relation to the 2008 elections.

Their goal, though futile as we see it, is to scare Ghanaians into voting for them or failing that to discredit the elections when they lose. To this end no less a person than the NDC Presidential Candidate has begun to question the legitimacy of this year’s elections even before the ballot papers have been printed, and threatened violence if his party loses the December 2008 polls.

This is consistent with the violent history and heritage of the NDC. While we are forever committed to peace, we are equally prepared and willing to stand by the good people of Ghana to protect and defend the Constitution of this land. This is the NDC’s moment of truth. Let wiser counsel prevail in the councils of the NDC so that together, we shall preserve the peace.

A return to the violence that characterised the PNDC/NDC era is not in the interest of any party or group in the country. Let the NDC not attempt to take this country over the precipice because Ghanaians deserve better. Let every Ghanaian insist on the politics of ideas not insults; of discourse not discontent.

Let us show the world that here in Ghana; our future will be determined by those who have the force of argument on their side and not those who insist on the argument of force.

Long live Ghana!

Arthur Kobina Kennedy Chairman, Communications Committee