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Release
AFAG, August 28, 2012
AFARI DJAN!! RESCIND YOUR DECISION
OR GHANAIANS WILL SPEAK
Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen of the press and welcome to
yet another important public discourse with the Alliance for
Accountable Governance. As always, it is our fervent hope that
AFAG will earn your unflinching support in carrying out our
message to the good people of Ghana.
Ladies and gentlemen, AFAG has invited you here today to focus
public attention on a decision which stands to shake the very
foundation of our thriving democracy, a beacon of hope on a
continent predominantly plagued with electoral disputes. Indeed
this decision has dire consequences on our democracy, as it
stands to threaten our very co-existence and future as one
people, in a peaceful and loving country.
As you are all aware by now, the Electoral Commission (EC) of
Ghana, against all caution from civil society and well meaning
citizens of the land, is bent on seeing to the creation of 45
new constituencies. This is un-thinkable considering that, we
have barely three (3) months to go for the 2012 presidential and
parliamentary elections. Indeed unprecedented!
Ladies & gentlemen, whiles AFAG, acknowledges the constitutional
mandate of the Electoral Commission to undertake periodic
revision of the boundaries of Constituencies, we would like to
question the propriety of this particular decision. In fact,
there is no moral justification for this action by the EC.
Fellow countrymen, it is of interest to note that, AFAG under
the hands of its Chairman and General Secretary on the 20th of
July 2012 wrote to the Electoral Commission to humbly request
for a meeting to jaw-jaw on this matter of national concern.
It’s been more than a month now, and not withstanding visits by
members of AFAG to the EC’s office on daily basis, the defiant
posturing of Dr. Afari-Djan and his unwillingness to meet with
AFAG,speaks volume of his intensions.
CREATION OF CONSTITUENCIES IN THE 4TH REPUBLIC
Ladies and gentlemen, creation of new constituencies is not new
under the 4th republic. Historical re-call shows that, the 200
constituencies used in the 1992 elections were created in 1991.
Also, the additional 30 constituencies used in 2004 elections
were created in 2003. The difference between the previous
instances and the current situation is the timing of the
process. Dr. Afari-Djan, this is simply not right!
AFAG’s POSITION
It is obvious that, in spite of the incessant calls, the
government and the electoral commission are more than determined
to see to the passage and implementation of this dangerous
decision without a hoot about the repercussions. Consequently,
AFAG, in the interest of the public is giving Dr. Afari Djan and
his Electoral Commission 2 weeks to;
• Unconditionally rescind his decision,
Or
• To honorably resign as Commissioner if he cannot stand up to
the challenge.
Failure to do so, Mr.EC; AFAG and the good people of this
country will demonstrate to show that, in this matter of
national concern, the voice of the people matters!
Fellow countrymen, in other to meet the challenge of the above,
AFAG will for the first time;
i. involve bilateral and multi lateral agencies in our advocacy
ii. go on a mass action, that may last for 3 days on its first
phase
iii. will call on all political parties, youth and women’s group
who are opposed to this arrogant posturing by the EC to join
forces with AFAG.
Finally we end by making the point that events of December 7
will be just one out of the several processes in our electoral
system. To merely focus only on events of that particular day is
in itself inimical to the entire process. Consequently, we make
a passionate appeal to the Peace Council, all Religious Groups,
the National Chief Imam and other Civil Society Groups to make
their voices heard now, and also, take a cue from the work of
the US institute of peace that; electoral violence are due to
systemic and un-resolved grievances which culminate prior,
during and after elections.
AFAG is thus; inspired by the truth and nothing apart from the
truth that, no Ghanaian should face death after exercising his
or her civic responsibility.
Thank you and God bless us all.
Signed:
Abu Ramadan 0244570006
Davis Opoku Ansah 0244861593
Bright Acheampong 0545230621
Arnold Boateng 0244294754
Dr. Nana Ayew Afriye 0244780359
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