Referendum call off: Akufo-Addo lied - Sammy Gyamfi

The Communication Director of the National Democratic Congress has rubbished claims by president Akufo Addo that the opposition made a "U turn" over the December 17 referendum, describing the it is a "barefaced lie".

Sammy Gyamfi believes the president is engaging in a desperate blame game having seen defeat against the "YES" vote.

President Akufo Addo on Sunday addressed the Nation in live TV, announcing the call of the referendum, which was to determine whether party politics should be introduced in the District assembly elections.

The President indicated the attainment of a broad consensus, for him, on a matter as important as the amendment of an entrenched provision of the Constitution, is critical.

But Sammy in his reaction questioned the president over his claim.

"What national consensus does the President need again if he indeed has the support of 75% of voters?," he wrote.

"Mr. President, you can cancel the December 17 referendum for fear of defeat, but you cannot cancel the impending defeat that awaits you on December 7th 2020."

Read the full statement below

At long last, President Akufo-Addo has chickened out of the December 17 referendum for fear of defeat.

This is a clear victory for the NDC and all “No Vote” advocates. Our collective nationalistic decision to put Ghana first has paid off.

And, did I hear the President say that he believes YES would have won if the referendum had come off? If that is so and the President sincerely believes that YES would have garnered the required 75% of valid vote cast, then why the cancelation of the referendum on grounds of lack of national consensus? Why waste the Public purse like this? What national consensus does the President need again if he indeed has the support of 75% of voters?

For the records, it’s a barefaced lie that President Mahama agreed to the amendment of article 55(3) of the 1992 Constitution to allow for the introduction of partisanship in our local government system as alleged by President Akufo-Addo. The attempt to use JM as a cover for this national embarrassment will not wash.

By the way, since when did President Akufo-Addo start to listen to any constructive suggestions from the NDC? Quite clearly, after wasting the public purse on this needless venture, the President ought to be giving us better accountability than these desperate blame games.

Mr. President, you can cancel the December 17 referendum for fear of defeat, but you cannot cancel the impending defeat that awaits you on December 7th 2020.