Vote ‘NO’ in December referendum – NDC to Ghanaians

The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) is asking Ghanaians to vote against the proposed amendment of Article 55 (3) of the 1992 Constitution which will make local government elections partisan.

The article states that “subject to the provisions of this article, a political party is free to participate in shaping the political will of the people, to disseminate information on political ideas, social and economic programmes of a national character and sponsor candidates for elections to any public office other than to District Assemblies or lower local government units.’’

This referendum has therefore become crucial since the article an entrenched provision of the Constitution and can only be amended through the exercise.

The exercise has been slated for December 17, 2019 but the largest opposition party in the country is kicking against the ‘YES’ vote.

At a news conference, Chairman of the party, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo said the local government system should remain non-partisan adding that individuals should contest the District Assembly and Unit Committee elections on their own merit.

“We, therefore, decided to campaign for a NO vote at the referendum and to urge all Ghanaians to vote NO at the referendum.

“The consequence of exporting this polarization into the District Assemblies is that very soon in our villages, there will be “NDC Communal Labour day” and “NPP Communal Labour day”. There will also be “NDC market” and “NPP market” And so on and so forth” Mr Ofosu Ampofo stated.