Former General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), John Boadu, has pledged to strengthen the party’s election-protection mechanisms if elected National Chairman, saying the NPP will not tolerate what he describes as intimidation and attacks during elections.
Mr. Boadu, in a statement issued by the Emmanuel Attafuah-Danso-led Team JB, said the party must take decisive steps to protect its votes, collation centres, party members and property during the 2028 general elections.
He cited the recent Ablekuma North by-election, where NPP parliamentary candidate Hawa Koomson was reportedly attacked, as evidence of what he described as growing electoral violence.
Mr. Boadu also alleged that NPP candidates and supporters faced attacks and interference in several constituencies during the 2024 general elections, mentioning Okaikoi South, Nsawam Adoagyiri and Suhum.
According to him, the party must not rely solely on complaints to security agencies and other institutions when its members and electoral processes are threatened.
He questioned the enforcement of Ghana’s Anti-Vigilantism Act, arguing that the law should apply equally to all political parties.
“Ballot protection by our Party’s support groups is not offensive to any legislation, including the Anti-Vigilantism law,” Mr. Boadu said, while insisting that any measures undertaken by the NPP would operate within Ghana’s laws.
Mr. Boadu said his previous experience with the party during the 2016 and 2020 elections had prepared him to take a more active role in safeguarding the party’s electoral interests.
“I have done it before in 2016 and 2020, and you will see me in full action again,” he said.
He further argued that the NPP had historically contributed to reforms aimed at improving Ghana’s electoral system, citing developments including transparent ballot boxes, voter identification cards and biometric voter verification.
The former General Secretary said that, if elected National Chairman, he would establish measures to protect the party’s votes and electoral infrastructure while ensuring that such activities remained within the legal framework.
“In 2028, as National Chairman, I will protect our votes, our collation centres, our party people, and our properties,” he declared.
Mr. Boadu is seeking the NPP National Chairmanship as the party prepares for its internal leadership contest ahead of the 2028 general elections.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
