Adib Saani, a security analyst, believes that the upcoming December presidential and parliamentary elections will be the most critical in Ghana’s fourth Republican history.
He made this claim in light of the electoral dynamics.
He has therefore admonished all stakeholders in the elections to conduct themselves in a manner that will ensure free, fair, transparent, and peaceful elections.
According to Mr. Saani, the elections would be the most important in our history because a former president is contesting against an incumbent government.
He underscored the need for the Electoral Commission (EC) to put in measures that will ensure a transparent process that will be accepted by all stakeholders.
To the police and other security agencies that will have a role to play in the polls, he charged them to remain professional in the discharge of their duties.
He advised the political parties to desist from engaging in unhealthy political campaigning since that could throw this country into instability.
He also spoke against any attempt to rig the elections, stressing that Ghana would be in a mess if these electoral processes were rigged in favour of anyone.
Speaking on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, he said that because December 7 offers an opportunity for voters to elect their leaders, the process must be free, fair, and credible.
“Let me stress that any attempt to circumvent the will of the people will mess up Ghana because Ghanaians are struggling and we are in an economic crisis with excessive taxes. We think overtaxing Ghanaians will generate the needed revenue for development, but that is rather discouraging businesses from operating in Ghana. We wouldn’t want to get there. Listen to the people and respect their will and views; if not, it will be very dangerous for Ghana.
The upcoming December 7 elections will be an important test for democracy. It will be the most important election in our fourth republic because it is between an incumbent and a former leader. The stakes are very high, so let’s be careful and protect our democracy so we wouldn’t have a situation like Kenya.”
He made the remarks during the interview in response to the recent protest in Kenya, which claimed the lives of over 20 people due to citizens’ opposition to new tax reforms introduced by the government.
Ghana and Kenya face similar issues like poor living conditions, excessive taxation, unemployment, and lack of basic necessities, but violence should not be used to resolve these problems, he advised.
“We all know what is happening in Ghana. There are several Ghanaians who lack access to the basic necessities of life; indeed, whatever is happening in Kenya is very similar to what is going on in Ghana. We have widespread corruption, maladministration, unaccountability, impunity, and excessive taxes, which are chocking already poor people. However, what I oppose is venting your frustration through the use of violence.
Inasmuch as I agree with the demonstrators in calling the government to account, people have died, and they also burned a part of their Parliament. We don’t want that example because it could destabilise Ghana, especially when we are dealing with threats of terrorism from Burkina Faso. Terrorist groups could take advantage of the stability and cause more mayhem. But I am fully and hundred percent in support of the demonstration.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
