Security Policy Expert Anthony Acquaye has slammed the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, over his “We will use every means to win the 2024 election; critics can burn the sea” statement.

In a statement sighted by GhanaWeb, Acquaye stated that any attempt by the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) government to subvert the will of the people of Ghana during the 2024 election, would be met with unseen unrest.

“Beneath this calm exterior lies a simmering resolve, and any attempt to disrespect their political will by using any means, as alluded to by Bryan Acheampong, Minister for Food and Agriculture, either through the use of the electoral commission, military, police, or the judiciary in any form or shape rather than a free and fair election process, will be met with fierce resistance, potentially unleashing civil unrest three times more intense than the infamous Kenyan violence.

“All critical intelligence points to the fact that these upcoming elections represent a critical juncture with both structural and circumstantial dynamics, and citizens are determined to ensure their voices are heard. Therefore, any move by any political actor to deliberately raise political tension to pave the way for the president to hold on to power as a state of emergency will throw the country into chaos,” he wrote.

He added, “The warning is clear that any attempts to manipulate the electoral process, suppress voter turnout, or disregard the people's verdict will be met with swift and decisive action. As a matter of fact, Ghanaians will not hesitate to take to the streets, demanding justice and accountability. It will be unwise for any political actor to take their silence for granted to spark any conflict, the negative inferences of which cannot be predetermined.”

Acquaye urged international organizations like the United Nations (UN) and the African Union, as well as traditional and faith-based organizations in Ghana, to take an interest in the happenings in the country as it nears the December 7, 2024, general election.

He also called on all stakeholders in the election, including the Electoral Commission of Ghana, to ensure that they perform their duties diligently.

“The ECOWAS, AU, UN, well-respected non-biased chiefs, pastors, journalists, and other crucial international communities must take keen note that Ghana's stability is a fragile balancing act, and that any disrespect of the citizens' political will would have far-reaching consequences, threatening regional peace and security.

“As a result, it is important that as December 7th draws near, all stakeholders, most especially the election commission, security and intelligence agencies, and judiciary, prioritise transparency, fairness, and respect for the democratic process for a peaceful Ghana.

What Bryan Acheampong said:

Bryan Acheampong, who is also the Member of Parliament for Abetifi Constituency, reiterated his stance that the NPP will not hand over power to the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the upcoming 2024 general elections.

According to him, the NPP, which has pastors, Imams, and traditionalists as members, will use every possible means to win the December 2024 elections.

"Before I end my speech, I want to reiterate that whether the NDC likes it or not, they will never win the 2024 elections. They won't win. Go and check their records, they won't win. The New Patriotic Party is there to win elections.

"So whichever means we will use to win the 2024 elections, we will use it. We are a political party. We have pastors, Imams, and traditionalists in the party. Ours is to win the elections. So whichever means we will use to win the elections, we will use it," he reaffirmed his position while addressing a charged crowd of NPP members during a campaign tour in Nsawam in the Eastern Region.

It is worth noting that this is not the first time the Abetifi MP has made such comments.

In March 2024, he made similar statements while speaking to some party faithful in Mpraeso.

BAI/OGB

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