NDC Presidential Candidate Mr. John Mahama has assured the people of the Ashanti Region of his commitment to completing unfinished development projects if elected in the upcoming elections.
During a courtesy visit to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, at the Manhyia Palace, Mr. Mahama criticised the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) for neglecting key projects in the region over the past eight years.
Unfulfilled Promises
Speaking to the Asantehene, the NDC Presidential Candidate expressed disappointment at the NPP’s inability to complete critical initiatives such as the Afari Military Hospital and Phase 2 of the Kejetia Market.
“The last time I came here, I highlighted projects initiated during my tenure. While some were completed, others remain abandoned and are deteriorating. It is unacceptable that the Afari Military Hospital has not been completed after eight years,” he lamented.
He pledged that under an NDC government, these projects would be revived and new ones launched to ensure the region receives its fair share of national development.
Otumfuo Advocates Peaceful Elections
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, urged political leaders and their supporters to uphold peace before, during, and after the December elections. He also encouraged Mahama to continue educating voters on his past achievements and the policies outlined in the NDC manifesto.
“We pray for free and fair elections. Let the results from the polling stations speak for themselves, and may we all accept the outcomes. May God guide you and grant your desires,” Otumfuo remarked.
Rebuttal to Allegations
In another development, Mr. Mahama denied allegations linking him to an attack on Otumfuo’s convoy in Techiman on Monday. He described circulating video footage as doctored and accused detractors of attempting to tarnish his reputation and that of the NDC.
“These allegations are baseless. I have great respect for the Asantehene and would never endorse such acts. This is yet another desperate attempt to smear me,” he stated.
With a promise to prioritise development and a call for peace and fairness, Mr. John Mahama continues to appeal to voters across the Ashanti Region.
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Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana is conducting a special voting exercise in the Eastern and Western regions today, Thursday, December 5, 2024, ahead of the December 7 general elections.
This follows the rescheduling of the exercise for these two regions, which was initially planned for Monday, December 2, 2024.
The EC announced the postponement during an emergency Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting on Sunday, December 1, after a defaced ballot paper marked for destruction was discovered outside the Checkpoint Printing House raising concerns about their integrity.
Although no issues were reported with the Western Region’s materials, the printing press responsible for the Eastern Region’s ballots also handled those for the Western Region. As a precaution, the EC recalled and reprinted the ballot papers for both regions.
The reprinted materials were delivered to the two regions on Wednesday, December 4, ensuring readiness for today’s voting exercise. The EC Chairperson, Jean Mensa, assured stakeholders that all necessary steps had been taken to uphold the integrity and transparency of the process.
The special voting exercise, held earlier in 14 other regions on December 2, allows designated groups such as election officials, security personnel, and media practitioners who will be on duty on election day to cast their votes in advance.
Polls in the Eastern and Western regions will open at 7:00 AM and will close at 5:00 PM. Only voters listed in the Special Voters Register are eligible to participate. Biometric verification systems are being used to ensure accuracy and transparency.
The Electoral Commission has reiterated its commitment to conducting a free, fair, and credible election process.
Votes cast during the special voting exercise will be securely sealed and transported to the EC’s offices in the respective regions, where they will remain under strict security until the general counting on December 7.
The EC has urged all participants to adhere to voting guidelines and maintain peace throughout the exercise. The successful conduct of today’s rescheduled special voting is expected to bolster confidence in the upcoming elections.
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