Keep your eagle eyes on Ghana`s elections

By Charles Takyi-Boadu Posted: Thursday, May 22, 2008
Professor John Evans Atta Mills, the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) flag bearer aspirant has reiterated his position that no attempt should be made to rig this year’s elections, because he can no more control the emotions of the people should that happen.
He gave the warning when officials of the United States Department of State called on him at his Kuku Hill office in Osu, Accra.
The NDC flag bearer condemned what happened in the year 2004, when the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) called the elections even before the Electoral Commission (EC) finally came out with its verdict and therefore called for a level playing field in the upcoming elections.
Though he assured them of his preparedness to do everything within his mandate to maintain peace before and after the elections, Professor Mills said, “however, it would be difficult to prevail on aggrieved persons this time around if what happened in 2004, by way of the NPP declaring itself winner, repeats itself.”
Prof. Mills, however, assured the State Department that he and his party are committed to fully respect the democratic terrain of Ghana, and would do everything within their power to ensure a non-violent election.
The NDC leader did not hide his misgivings about some happenings regarding the build up to this year’s election, and therefore asked the United States and the International Community to continuously keep an eye on Ghana.
Prof. Mills specifically mentioned the issue of the over 100% growth in voter population between 2004 and 2006 in 13 constituencies in the Ashanti Region.
Explaining his reasons in requesting for international observers to be part of this year’s electoral process, he said it was not for the lack of faith in local observers, but because of the need for all to be on board to make sure Ghana does not go down the slippery path of post election disturbances elsewhere.
“It is a matter of fact that America upholds the tenets of true democracy and it is my hope that you will do whatever it takes to ensure that Ghana’s nascent democracy finds a solid feet to walk on,” he said.
“I have had occasion to ask the Carter Center and other international bodies to keep their focus on Ghana throughout this year, because it is important to closely monitor the whole process and not only what happens on election day” he added.
When given the opportunity to govern this country, the NDC’s flag bearer aspirant said he would be President for Ghana and not President for the NDC and would make sure that opportunities abound for all, and not for a selected few.
With the benefit of lessons learnt elsewhere, he pledged that his government would make sure that Ghana’s oil discovery remains a blessing and not a curse.
On behalf of the United States government, Mr. Thomas Dougherty, the Director of West African Affairs of the United States Department of State, pledged that Washington would support only one group – which is the people of Ghana, and not any political party.
“We will pay attention to what happens in Ghana, but we will stay neutral. Washington will not take sides” said Mr. Dougherty.
Mr. Dougherty also expressed his appreciation to Professor Mills for his commitment to a non-violent election and said his government will do everything it can to impress upon all those who matter in the electoral process, to make sure that there is an even playing field for all parties.
With Professor Mills, was, Alhaji Mohammed Mumuni, NDC running mate in the last general election.
Mr. Brian W. Shukan, First Secretary and Chief of Political Section, U.S Embassy, Accra accompanied Mr. Dougherty.