The former Director of Elections for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Hon. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, has cautioned his party against complacency as the country prepares for the 2024 general elections.
Afriyie Ankrah stressed that while the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has faced a wave of unpopularity due to poor governance, this alone is not enough to guarantee a win for the NDC.
In an interview on Power fm / TVXYZ with Kwame Minka, Afriyie Ankrah highlighted the critical need for unity, vigilance, and active participation across all levels of the NDC to secure victory.
“Let us not delude ourselves and smile inwardly as though the battle is won until the final results are declared by the Electoral Commission (EC). Heaven may be on our side, but complacency could be our downfall,” he stated.
Afriyie Ankrah’s remark followed reports that Yasarko Printing Company, the firm contracted by the EC to print ballot papers for the upcoming elections, may lack the necessary capacity to complete the task.
He underscored the importance of synergy within the NDC to counter any potential setbacks or irregularities that might arise during the election process.
“Both international and domestic research institutions, including the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), Fitch, and Global Info Analytics, have projected a likely NDC victory. However, we cannot underestimate the potential tactics the NPP and EC might employ to influence the election in their favor,” he warned.
Afriyie Ankrah pointed to alleged corruption and economic mismanagement within the current Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration, asserting that the NPP might resort to any means necessary to cling to power.
He called on NDC members at all levels—from national executives to branch leaders—to demonstrate a renewed commitment, drawing inspiration from the “Assin North bye-election” where NDC put its differences aside to energize and mobilize supporters across the country to campaign.
“They will try everything under the sun to remain in power, but with strict vigilance and unwavering effort, we can secure a well-deserved victory,” Afriyie Ankrah emphasized.
The former election director stressed the importance of remaining vigilant before, during, and after the election period, to protect the integrity of the process.
“This election will require resilience and caution. We must all unite and work hard to ensure the will of the people is reflected in the results,” he concluded.
