President of the National House of Chiefs, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II
The National House of Chiefs has added its voice to calls on persons aggrieved by the results of the December 7 general election to seek redress through the laid-down legal processes so as to consolidate Ghana’s status as a “beacon of democracy” on the African continent.
The House of Chiefs says the smooth manner in which the elections were conducted suggests that Ghana has matured in her democratic dispensation and has, “once again, demonstrated to the whole world that the country is a beacon of democracy”.
That notwithstanding, the House says it has “taken note of the concerns of some political actors at the outcome of the presidential and parliamentary election results declared by the Electoral Commission”.
A statement signed by the President of the House, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, said “it is pertinent to state that there are no winners and losers in this election. It is Ghana that has won and everyone should be very proud of it”.
“The House has, again, taken note of the numerous demonstrations by a section of members and supporters of some political organisations about the results so declared by the EC, which has created tension in the country and is likely to erode the gains made over the years.
“The House, once again, wishes to inform all dissatisfied candidates or political parties to endeavour to seek redress by using the laid-down processes and procedure for the settlement of electoral dispute,” the statement said.
Call for calm
The House urged “leaders of the various political parties” to “also urge and encourage their supporters, to remain and act within the laws of the land”.
“It is refreshing to note that, as a country, we have been described both within and outside as a beacon of democracy due to the manner we have conducted our elections over the years ever since we chose the path of democracy.
“This did not come about because the electorate have always been satisfied with the outcome of the results or our elections have always been perfect but rather, the way we chose to settle election disputes,” the statement noted.
“It is in view of this that the National House of Chiefs is calling upon all Ghanaians to remain calm while the House liaises with others stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the impasse,” it added.
Rejection of results
However, following a court order, the EC, yesterday, counted the votes in the last ballot box and declared the Sene West seat for the NDC, giving the NDC and NPP 137 seats each. The NPP is however set to retain its majority status in Parliament, with the Independent MP-elect for Fomena having declared his intentions to sit with the governing party.
The flagbearer of the NDC, former President John Mahama, has alleged that the election was stolen by the Electoral Commission for President Akufo-Addo.
However, all attempts and advice from voices of reason to get him to use legitimate means to seek redress appear to have fallen on deaf ears.
Mr Mahama has described the results as “fictionalised” and “the real stolen verdict”, and called for an “independent audit” before he will concede defeat.
Already, five persons are reported to have died as a result of protests, a situation that has caused the Christian Council of Ghana to express concern.
The Christian council has also urged the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to consider legal action instead of street protests in its opposition to the declared election results.
“We entreat them to desist from the street protests and agitations and rather resort to the court to seek redress for their concerns in accordance with the law,” the Council said in a statement.
It also urged the NDC to “avoid statements that have the tendency to inflame passion and cause mayhem in the country.”
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