Mahama Files Papers For 2020 Polls

The flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, yesterday filed his nomination at the Electoral Commission (EC) head office in Accra.

The nomination forms, accompanied with a filing fee of GH¢100,000 in banker’s draft of Mr. Mahama, who is seeking to return to power after his heavy defeat as incumbent in 2016, were sent on his behalf by NDC General Secretary Johnson Asiedu Nketia and some of the party’s leaders.

It was received by Jean Mensa who is the Returning Officer for the Presidential Election.

President Akufo-Addo on Tuesday filed his papers at the EC personally, but Mr. Mahama had to send his documents through his party leaders because he was busily launching what he called his ‘Door-to-Door’ campaign for the December 7 elections in Sefwi Wiawso in the Western North Region.

Causing Stir

After filing the nomination, Mr. Asiedu Nketia went into a tirade, accusing the EC of preparing the grounds to rig the election for the NPP. Besides, he said they are on what he called a ‘rescue mission’ to save the country’s democracy.

He said they had been vindicated by what they called the flaws of the new register, claiming he was wearing red because it represented the blood of those who fought for the independence of Ghana.

After a long talk, when the EC officials tried to explain issues, the NDC team interjected and stormed out of the place casting aspersions as they departed.

Sefwi Wiawso

During the campaign launch, Mr. Mahama tasked NDC members to protect every ballot jealously.

“This is our battle for Ghana’s future. Let’s embrace it like our very lives depend on it because Ghana deserves to be in a better place where everyone has the chance to thrive and prosper,” he said.

He said the NDC is determined to succeed and no one can stop the will of the people on December 7.

“We have had concerns to draw the commission’s attention to many instances of infraction and actions that have not satisfied us. While we are expecting the commission to live above reproach, I want to assure you all that the NDC is very well prepared, and we will police the ballots from all polling stations, through the constituencies to the regional and finally to the national collation centres,” he said.

EC Warning

They tried to create the impression that the election will not be free and fair and it will lead to the subversion of the will of the people, adding that the NDC will not sit down for that to happen.

“We are determined and the Electoral Commission and no institution and anybody can or should try to subvert the will of the Ghanaian people. We have had the concerns to draw the commission’s attention to the many instances of infractions and actions that have not satisfied us,” he said.

“This is our battle for Ghana’s future. Let’s embrace it, like our lives depend on it because Ghana deserved to be in a better place where everyone has the chance to thrive and prosper. We will rescue our country (sic),” he added.

Comfortable Lead

Mr. Mahama also said “I want to assure all the teeming supporters of the NDC, our sympathizers, well-wishers, and the millions of people waiting to vote for John Mahama, Naana Jane OpokuAgyeman, and the NDC that we are winning the election,” he stated

 

By Ernest Kofi Adu