The National Peace Council (NPC) has condemned the press
conference by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Saturday evening,
which the party announced that it had secured a first round victory
with 51.3 per cent of total votes
cast.
Reverend Professor Emmanuel Asante, Chairman of the NPC,
described the NPP's statement as premature and inconsistent with
the law, which only mandates the Electoral Commission (EC) to
declare elections results.
Prof Asante, who made the statement at a press conference in
Accra called on all political parties to exercise restraint in
handling the elections results, stressing that it was the sole
responsibility of the EC to declare results.
He urged the media to be circumspect in its duties and not
allow political parties to use their platforms for such
declarations, adding that this could undermine the mandate of the
EC.
Prof Asante urged all Ghanaians not to be disturbed by the
statement and appealed to other political parties not to react
negatively to the press conference but remain peaceful and
calm.
Mr Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, the General Secretary of NPP, who
addressed the press in Accra, asked its supporters to get ready for
a massive jubilation on Sunday after calling the election in the
party's favour.
He said the statistics indicated at the NPP coalition centre
headquarters revealed that Nana Akufo Addo, Presidential Candidate
of the NPP, had won the election with 51.3 per cent as against
45.50 per cent for of John Dramani Mahama, the incumbent
President.
