Efforts by the National Peace Council to broker a peace pact between the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) ahead of the Akwatia by-election have collapsed, raising political tension in the constituency.

The signing ceremony, scheduled to take place at the Emmanuel Presbyterian Church in Akwatia, was derailed after the NPP refused to recognize the NDC’s representatives. The ruling party argued that the NDC had presented only constituency executives instead of national-level officials to commit to the accord.

NPP National Organizer Henry Nana Boakye accused the NDC of deliberately avoiding a binding commitment to the peace process, describing their actions as an attempt to stall the agreement.

With both sides unwilling to compromise, the anticipated signing—meant to reassure voters of a peaceful poll—failed to materialize.

Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu, a member of the Peace Council’s Board, confirmed that discussions had been suspended but stressed that mediation efforts were ongoing.
“The two parties earlier on were represented, but there were issues of concern that needed to be resolved. In the spirit of mutual dialogue and respect, both parties agreed to suspend the meeting,” he explained.

The setback adds to the growing tension surrounding the by-election, which has become a flashpoint in Ghana’s political landscape. Heightened rhetoric, mistrust, and sharp exchanges between the two leading parties have left many observers worried about the prospects for peace ahead of the vote.

source: myjoyonline