Several reactions have followed the National Democratic Congress' allegations of an imminent plot by Brigadier General Michael Opoku, a senior-ranking member of the Ghana Armed Forces, to rig the 2024 elections based on explicit orders from President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the current NPP government.

Sammy Gyamfi, the National Communications Officer of the party, in a presser, disclosed that the General Officer Commanding (GOC) has been promised the position of Chief of Defence Staff if he is able to see through the agenda.

Gyamfi further alleged that Brigadier General Michael Opoku is overseeing the training of hardened NPP thugs at the Asutsuare Training Camp of the Ghana Armed Forces to carry out the rigging agenda during the elections.

He also claimed that a house belonging to the military officer is being used to store weapons and election rigging materials intended for use in manipulating the 2024 elections in favor of the NPP.

"Per our credible intel, Brigadier General Opoku's residence in Kumasi is currently the storage facility of weapons, illegally printed ballot papers, military apparel, and other election materials which the NPP intends to use to execute these dastardly and subversive agendas," he stated.

Despite the NDC’s lack of evidence to back their claims, they have hinted at plans to petition the IGP and the Asantehene over the issue.

Although the government has yet to respond to the serious allegations leveled against it, some key figures from the New Patriotic Party have spoken out against the NDC's claims.

1. Richard Ahiagbah

The Director of Communications for the NPP has stated that the allegations are a ploy by the party to mislead Ghanaians.

Describing the NDC’s claims as lacking merit in a post on X, on November 19, 2024, he argued that they are strategically designed to create fear and panic among citizens, while accusing the NDC of plotting violence themselves.

“The NDC's allegation of a grand NPP plot to rig or create mayhem is vain and lacks merit. Rather than mislead Ghanaians, the NDC should admit its campaign is not going well, and they know defeat is imminent for the NDC. This is simply a design to scare Ghanaians and justify the violence they're plotting themselves. See this video by the NDC Obuasi Youth's promise of violence. The NPP is not a violent party. The NPP does not have revolutionary roots as the NDC. The NPP is committed to peace and will do its part to ensure free, fair, and peaceful elections on December 7th. Bawumia will win... peacefully on 7 December,” he wrote.

2. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah

The government's spokesperson for governance and security also reiterated claims that the NDC is causing fear and panic among the citizenry ahead of the elections.

In an X post on November 19, 2024, he accused the NDC of tarnishing the image and achievements of the senior military officer.

“@SammyGyamfi_ we are in a very crucial moment of our democracy and a very heated elections. All candidates are busy campaigning to the electorates. Sharing policy ideas and developmental plans. In the security services, no one is ready to jeopardize the peace and serenity we have enjoyed in this 4th Republic. What your presser seeks to achieve is to put fear and panic in the Ghanaian people. You're leading a charge to mislead, misinform, disinform and denigrate the hard work of a MILITARY OFFICER with 3 more RANKS to the TOP. Growing up as a Burma Camp boy, Juba Villas No. 48, it is very clear that no properly trained military officer can be indiscipline in the manner in which you portray in your presser. Especially with the rank of B. General. Stating very clearly that the December 7th elections will be FREE, FAIR, TRANSPARENT and the mandate of the Ghanaian people will not be denied them through your allegations.

"Only one person will be elected as President from 2025 and that person democratically elected will be sworn into office as constitutionally required. The strategy of the NDC to continue with their rigging press conferences and public statements should be guided in light of our collective responsibility of free speech and expression. We will be waiting for your petitions to go to the various offices you mentioned and try not to be mischievous in the next few days. We pledge peaceful elections for all Ghanaians,” he wrote.

3. Dennis Miracles Aboagye

The Communications Director for the Bawumia Campaign Team, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, has expressed his disappointment over the NDC’s claims.

According to him, the NDC has become a nuisance to the country’s democracy, accusing the party of repeating the same rigging allegations during every election year.

Addressing constituents of Essikado-Ketan in the Western Region during a campaign tour on November 19, 2024, Miracles Aboagye dismissed the allegations, urging Ghanaians to vote in the elections without fear.

“... the NDC doesn’t take any lessons from history. Between 2015 and 2016, this same NDC alleged Akufo-Addo had brought into the country some South Africans to help rig the elections and cause mayhem. They did the same thing in 2020 accusing the NPP of plans to rig elections. In 2024, they are repeating same allegations because they know they are losing. They are trying to create an impression to their followers that the elections will be rigged if they lose to avoid accountability.

“Let everyone listen, every Ghanaian should go and vote on the election day. If you prefer to stay on the grounds, do so and every vote will be counted. No one can rig the elections in this country. Whoever wins or lose after the counting should accept their fate and go home. NDC is becoming a nuisance to our democracy,” he said.



MAG/AE

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