President Nana Akufo-Addo has said the two main political parties(NPP, NDC) do not require a mediator for a proposed meeting in line with his directive to the political parties to break up militias affiliated to them.
“…It’s important that we trust in our own capabilities to resolve our own problems, President Akufo-Addo said in a letter responding to the NDC’s position on his call to disband vigilante groups.
He added he’s rather dismayed that the two most powerful political parties in Ghanaian politics “cannot meet to dialogue on matters of our nation’s governance and political culture, without the intervention of outsiders, including foreign entities, no matter how well meaning.”
The President had requested a meeting only between the two main parties – NPP and NDC for the disbandment of party militia groups.
But the NDC, in a letter to the President signed by its National Chairman proposed the inclusion of a mediator and suggested that a representative from the National Peace Council be appointed for that task of moderating the dialogue between NDC and NPP on breaking up party-affiliated militias.
It also proposed for the discussions to include all political parties, civil society organizations, representatives of the media, representatives of the military, police and other security agencies, as well as any other relevant stakeholders, which the President has declined.
In the said letter by Mr. Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo the main opposition party nonetheless said they will avail themselves “of the opportunity whenever at the pleasure of Your Excellency and at a venue convenient for the purpose.”
Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo in his response said government stands ready to provide a venue for the meeting, if it’s the wish of the parties.