NDC questions the loud silence of civil societies over post-election violence

The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), has expressed dissatisfaction with what it says is the loud silence of the clergy, civil society groups and other relevant bodies in the wake of post-election violence following the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) election victory.

At a press conference on Wednesday afternoon at the party’s headquarters, Accra, the Chairman of the NDC, Kofi Portuphy stated that the loud silence of these bodies could have a dire effect on the country. 

He recalled that these civil society groups used to criticise every decision by the erstwhile NDC administration but choose to be silent over the ‘acts of hooliganism and terrorism’ demonstrated by the vigilante groups associated with the NPP.

“…What is even more disturbing is the loud silence of the civil society groups and some among the clergy and academia who either choose to condemn every action of the previous NDC government for the position of being public and moral conscience of our society. He said they have abandoned their neutral posturing all of a sudden.

Mr Poturphy noted that it was only in the wake of the recent brouhaha at the Kumasi Court, leading to the escape of the 13 Delta Force members on trial for a number of offences, that a number of these groups rose up in condemnation.

The NDC Chairman questioned why they did not deem it fit to condemn other egregious and lawless incidents prior to the mayhem at the Kumasi Court.

“Where was the Ghana Bar Association, CODEO, Peace Council when the NPP brought in mercenaries from South Africa to train these terrorist elements? Where was the Peace Council, when after the elections, these NPP elements attacked, burned down and a took over operations of toll booths at Fiapre in the Brong Ahafo Region and in Tema at the Motorway?” he questioned.

 

Competence 

The NDC also questioned the competence of the ruling party based on some campaign promises made in 2016. 

Mr Portuphy recalled that Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia accused former President Mahama's administration of excessive borrowing and that, NPP promised not to borrow to support the economy. They also promised to abolish taxes on financial services and promised to restore Teacher Trainees allowances “... but today what do we see, in less than three months, the NPP has resorted to borrowing left, right and centre. Recently, the NPP borrowed $1.5 million…..”

 

Politicization of public services

The Chairman has expressed disappointment as to how some constitutionally mandated individuals were booted out of service.

He stated that the survival of Ghana's democracy is dependent on nurturing a professional and efficient public service. 

“Since the assumption of office by the Akufo-Addo Administration, he has forced several professional public servants out of their offices and replaced them with loyalist NPP members.”

The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), has expressed dissatisfaction with what it says is the loud silence of the clergy, civil society groups and other relevant bodies in the wake of post-election violence following the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) election victory.

At a press conference on Wednesday afternoon at the party’s headquarters, Accra, the Chairman of the NDC, Kofi Portuphy stated that the loud silence of these bodies could have a dire effect on the country. 

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