NDC Exposes Brigadier-General Michael Opoku as “NPP’s Election Rigging Machine” – Ghana News On-line

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused Brigadier-General Michael Opoku, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Central Command of the Ghana Armed Forces, of masterminding a scheme to rig the upcoming December 7 common elections in favor of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). This explosive revelation was made throughout a press convention addressed by NDC National Communications Officer Sammy Gyamfi.

The NDC alleges that Brigadier-General Opoku, identified for his controversial function within the 2019 Ayawaso West Wuogon by-elections, has been entrusted with executing clandestine actions, together with poll stuffing and voter intimidation, significantly within the Ashanti Region, a stronghold of the NPP.

A Troubling History

Sammy Gyamfi highlighted Brigadier-General Opoku’s involvement within the violence in the course of the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-elections, the place masked safety operatives attacked civilians. As then-Director of Operations on the National Security Secretariat, Opoku admitted earlier than the Emile Short Commission that he approved the actions of the operatives. Despite the Commission recommending a reprimand, President Nana Akufo-Addo dismissed the findings, later selling Opoku to his present rank.

Election Rigging Allegations

The NDC claims it has credible intelligence that Brigadier-General Opoku has relocated his household to the UK in anticipation of his function within the election plot. According to Gyamfi, Opoku is allegedly overseeing the coaching of NPP-affiliated thugs disguised in army uniforms, with plans to disrupt voting and intimidate NDC supporters. He can also be accused of utilizing his Kumasi residence as a storage facility for weapons, illegally-printed poll papers, and different election supplies.

“Violence cannot and will not win the NPP this year’s election,” Gyamfi declared. “We have them under our radar and will continue to monitor them with eagle eyes.”

Call to Action

The NDC has known as on key safety businesses, together with the Inspector-General of Police and the Chief of Defence Staff, to intervene and examine the allegations. The occasion urged these authorities to make sure a peaceable election course of, emphasizing that “elections are about counting heads, not cutting heads.”

Gyamfi additionally reiterated the NDC’s dedication to peaceable elections, warning that any try to subvert the desire of the individuals could be met with lawful resistance. “Ghana is at a crossroads and requires an urgent reset,” he stated, urging Ghanaians to decide on the skilled management of John Dramani Mahama over what he described because the “failed experiment” of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

Broader Context

The accusations come at a vital juncture because the December 7 polls method, with tensions operating excessive in what is anticipated to be a tightly contested election. The NDC’s allegations, if confirmed, might have important implications for the credibility of the electoral course of and Ghana’s democratic status.

The New Patriotic Party is but to formally reply to those allegations.

NDC Exposes Brigadier-General Michael Opoku as “NPP’s Election Rigging Machine”