The National Peace Council (NPC) has condemned the press conference by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Saturday evening, which the party announced that it had secured a first round victory with 51.3 per cent of total votes cast.

Reverend Professor Emmanuel Asante, Chairman of the NPC, described the NPP's statement as premature and inconsistent with the law, which only mandates the Electoral Commission (EC) to declare elections results.

Prof Asante, who made the statement at a press conference in Accra called on all political parties to exercise restraint in handling the elections results, stressing that it was the sole responsibility of the EC to declare results.

He urged the media to be circumspect in its duties and not allow political parties to use their platforms for such declarations, adding that this could undermine the mandate of the EC.

Prof Asante urged all Ghanaians not to be disturbed by the statement and appealed to other political parties not to react negatively to the press conference but remain peaceful and calm.

Mr Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, the General Secretary of NPP, who addressed the press in Accra, asked its supporters to get ready for a massive jubilation on Sunday after calling the election in the party's favour.

He said the statistics indicated at the NPP coalition centre headquarters revealed that Nana Akufo Addo, Presidential Candidate of the NPP, had won the election with 51.3 per cent as against 45.50 per cent for of John Dramani Mahama, the incumbent President.