The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Abetifi Constituency, Bryan Acheampong, has reiterated his assertion made in 2023 that the NPP won’t hand over power to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in 2024.
Bryan Acheampong clarified his earlier comments that caused outrage among political players, especially the opposition parties and other interest groups. Addressing NPP supporters at Kwahu Mpraeso after a health walk to mark Easter, Abetif lawmaker said he made the comments because the NDC will not win the 2024 general elections; hence, there is no need to hand over power to them.
“Last year, I stood here in Mpraeso and said that whether NDC likes it or not, they will never win the 2024 polls. If you don’t win an election, will power be handed over to you? We will not hand it over to them today or tomorrow.
According to the Abetifi MP, in 2023, Ghana faced economic challenges that made life extremely difficult for the people. He explained that contractors could not continue work on the Agenda 111 projects as prices of cement and iron rods were high due to rising inflation and a volatile exchange rate. The lawmaker stated that those challenges gave the NDC confidence that Ghanaians would vote for them [NDC], but he knew the party was going to turn things around, thus his comments that they won’t hand over.
“As at that time I made the statements, Ghana was confronted with economic challenges. Food inflation was around 61%. Inflation was around 55%. The prices of cement and iron rods went up. Contractors said because of the IMF program, they were not going to work.
“Agenda 111 projects came to a standstill. The dollar prices went up as high as GH¢19.00. Even at the time, in 2020, when we were in difficulty, the NDC was thinking that because we were in difficulty, Ghanaians were going to vote against the NPP,” he stated.
However, the MP believes the NDC would never emerge victorious in the December 7 polls, regardless of their desires, and questioned why a party that cannot win an election would be seeking power at all costs. He said with the current economic improvements and their effect on the livelihood of Ghanaians, the NPP’s hard work and stringent measures would translate into votes, ensuring the NPP’s victory in the 2024 elections.
But George Opare Addo, the National Youth Organizer of the NDC, has reacted strongly to the former National Security Minister’s comments.
According to Opare Addo, “President John Dramani Mahama will emerge victorious in the December elections and assume the presidency of Ghana.” He said, “The NDC Youth Wing will not hesitate to take drastic measures against anyone who dares to obstruct the free will and constitutional processes of our nation.”
“We are prepared to respond aggressively to any misbehavior by an election officer or an agent of this failed ruling government who attempts to thwart the will of the people on December 7,2024. No one should dare play games with the NDC and the people of Ghana. Let it be known,” he said on X.