Former Speaker of Parliament Professor Mike Oquaye has expressed support for New Patriotic Party (NPP) First Vice Chairman Kojo Fosu Boadu, popularly known as Kojo Bamba, in his call for stronger measures to protect the party's ballots. Professor Oquaye described Mr. Bamba's campaign message as "right," emphasizing that the NPP's reliance on the police to safeguard its electoral interests has raised concerns about ballot protection during elections.
Professor Oquaye recalled that the NPP had previously disbanded party-linked security groups and opted to rely on the national police to protect the electoral process. However, he accused the National Democratic Congress (NDC) of undermining this arrangement through intimidation and interference during elections. He cited incidents of ballot box seizures, deployment of "macho men" at polling centers, and disruptions that resulted in re-voting in some areas.
The former Speaker of Parliament made these comments on Joy FM's Super Morning Show, highlighting the NPP's concerns about the protection of its ballots and polling agents ahead of the 2028 general election. He rejected the idea of establishing a parallel system to protect ballot boxes, but warned that political parties could lose confidence in state protection if they believed the police were failing to safeguard them.
Professor Oquaye maintained that the NPP's concerns were not about promoting violence but about the failure of state institutions to protect citizens and political parties. He called on the NDC to end what he characterized as political intimidation and urged religious leaders, civil society organizations, and other influential groups to intervene before tensions escalated.
Professor Oquaye also criticized the arrest of Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, describing the circumstances as concerning. He warned that continued political tensions could have serious consequences if left unaddressed. His comments add to the debate over the role of political party security, ballot protection, and the responsibility of the police in safeguarding Ghana's electoral process.
The debate over ballot protection comes amid renewed discussions within the NPP on how to protect its ballots and polling agents ahead of the 2028 general election. Professor Oquaye's comments reflect the NPP's concerns about the effectiveness of police protection and the need for alternative measures to ensure the security of its electoral interests.
The issue of ballot protection has become a pressing concern in Ghana's electoral process, with political parties seeking to ensure the integrity of the electoral process. The outcome of this debate will likely have significant implications for the conduct of future elections in Ghana.
Key points
- Professor Mike Oquaye supports Kojo Bamba's call for stronger measures to protect NPP ballots.
- The NPP's reliance on police protection has raised concerns about ballot security during elections.
- Professor Oquaye criticizes the NDC for undermining the NPP's electoral interests through intimidation and interference.
