Former Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Freddie Blay, has raised concerns about the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s decision to contest additional parliamentary seats, despite its claim of having a commanding majority in Parliament.
Speaking during an interview on Joy FM on December 24, 2024, Mr. Blay described the move as unnecessary and potentially destabilizing for the country’s peace.
The NDC, which asserts it has secured 187 parliamentary seats, has announced plans to seek legal action to claim victory in a few disputed constituencies.
“I’m surprised that NDC has won 187 seats and is still chasing after two or three more,” he said, questioning the rationale behind the opposition’s aggressive stance.
He further warned of dire consequences if court rulings and decisions by the Electoral Commission (EC) are not respected.
“If justice is denied, can you imagine the chaos this country will run into? If we’ve all voted, counted, and signed the pink sheets, and someone with a gun forces a declaration, chaos will ensue,” he cautioned.
I’m surprised NDC won 187 seats and is still chasing a few more – Freddie Blay.#PMExpress pic.twitter.com/qmQs8NEEAW
— JoyNews (@JoyNewsOnTV) December 24, 2024
Controversial Re-Collation Results in Seat Reassignments
A controversial re-collation exercise held at the Greater Accra Regional Office of the EC on December 21, 2024, resulted in four parliamentary seats initially declared for the NDC being reassigned to the NPP.
- Obuasi East: Initially declared for NDC’s Samuel Aboagye, was reassigned to NPP’s Patrick Boakye-Yiadom.
- Tema Central: Declared for NDC’s Ebi Bright, now reassigned to NPP’s Charles Forson.
- Techiman South: Initially declared for NDC’s Christopher Beyere Baasongti, was reassigned to NPP’s Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah.
- Okaikwei Central: Declared for NDC’s Baba Sadiq, now reassigned to NPP’s Dr. Patrick Boamah.
Additionally, constituencies previously marked as incomplete were finalized:
- Nsawam Adoagyiri: Declared for NPP’s Frank Annoh-Dompreh.
- Ahafo Ano South West: Declared for NPP’s Eric Nana Agyeman-Prempeh.
- Ahafo Ano North: Declared for NPP’s Elvis Osei Mensah Dapaah.
Two Constituencies Remain Undecided
Two constituencies, Ablekuma North and Dome Kwabenya, remain unresolved.
- Ablekuma North: NDC’s Ewurabena Aubynn was declared the winner despite results from 62 polling stations remaining unaccounted for. NPP’s Nana Akua Owusu Afriyieh, a former MP and current Deputy Chief Executive of the Coastal Development Authority, contests the results.
- Dome Kwabenya: NDC’s Elikplim Akurugu was declared the winner over NPP’s Mike Oquaye Jnr.
If the current reassignments hold, the NDC would have 181 seats in the 9th Parliament, with four independent candidates holding seats.