Bryan Acheampong, the minister of agriculture, has taken action to clarify a divisive statement he made about the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) chances of becoming the next government several months ago.
It will never happen that we, the NPP, will stand on a platform to hand power to the NDC, Acheampong said in April of this year while addressing supporters at a gathering in Mpraeso.
He continued with a warning, declaring, “If the NDC dares to resort to threats, violence, and imprudence during the 2024 election, we will demonstrate our strength. We will show them that we are well-prepared.”
The Agriculture Minister’s comments sparked a flurry of public discussion, and many people were perplexed by the implications of his claim that the NPP would not cede power to the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
His arrest was immediately demanded by detractors from the NDC due to the incendiary remarks.
Bryan Acheampong has since revealed the reasoning behind his earlier comments in an interview with Kwami Sefa Kayi, host of Peace FM’s “Kokrokoo” morning show.
He emphasized that his remarks had been misinterpreted and clarified, “I didn’t make those remarks to undermine the nation’s stability. My intention was to invigorate the NPP and foster optimism that our circumstances will improve, and once they do, we will remain in power.”
He said, giving an explanation of the true meaning of his words: “Ultimately, it is the Electoral Commission that holds the authority to declare election results. Following their declaration, no entity within Ghana possesses the mandate to dispute it.”
In order to support his claims, Bryan Acheampong used historical examples, saying, “This protocol was adhered to by President Rawlings, President Kufour, President Mills, President Mahama, and will similarly be observed by President Akufo-Addo. The Electoral Commission’s declaration stands as the final verdict.”
Nonetheless, he stressed his conviction that with careful organisation, the Electoral Commission will favour the NPP in its pronouncement. When our preparations are in order, I am confident that the Electoral Commission will pronounce in favor of the NPP. Subsequently, we will not relinquish that acquired authority.”
