In a reversal of their earlier stance, the party decided to participate in IPAC meetings again starting from January of this year.

IPAC meetings serve as a crucial platform for political parties to discuss election-related matters, voice concerns, and contribute constructively to electoral policies.

The committee also serves as an advisory body to the Electoral Commission (EC).

In 2021, the NDC leadership opted to boycott IPAC meetings, citing perceived bias from the Electoral Commission led by Jean Mensah in favor of the New Patriotic Party during the 2020 general elections.

However, in January of this year, the NDC rescinded their decision to abstain from IPAC meetings, citing improved consensus-building efforts.

In an interview on Citi FM, the NDC’s Deputy Director of Elections and IT, Dr. Rashid Tanko-Computer said IPAC meetings now have a more positive and welcoming atmosphere.

He observed a notable change in the Electoral Commission’s behavior, with improved interactions during these meetings.

“It was very cordial. Don’t forget this year happens to be the third IPAC meeting that we attended. The first IPAC meeting was on 22nd February 2024. The second was on 29th February, and 7th March. So it’s been cordial since we returned to IPAC.

…It appears they have changed…It is not very cordial, very lovely. Not acrimonious. It is like the IPAC we used to know. That is consensus-building,” he stated.

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This is to address critical issues concerning the upcoming December 7, 2024 general elections.

In an official communication dated March 1, 2024, Deputy Chairperson for Corporate Services at the EC, Dr. Bossman Eric Asare, invited political parties to the IPAC meeting.

Each party is requested to send three representatives.

The meeting is scheduled to start at 10:am in the IPAC room of the Electoral Commission and will focus on finalizing the Election 2024 programs.

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The move according to the party is for enhanced consensus building.

This was contained in a statement signed by the General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey and dated January 28, 2024.

The NDC is optimistic about the revitalization of the IPAC, drawing inspiration from the robust Consensus Building Platform established during the tenures of Dr. Afari Djan and Charlotte Osei as Chairpersons of the Electoral Commission of Ghana.

“The party anticipates collaborative endeavors that will strengthen Ghana’s electoral system, benefiting not only individual political parties but also upholding the democratic values of the nation,” the statement noted.

The NDC boycotted IPAC meetings March in 2020 after it raised questions about the posture of the Electoral Commission (EC).

However, there were calls from former EC boss, Dr Afari Gyan, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the EC as well for the NDC to return.

But the NDC chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, said if the EC will have IPAC be the consensus-building forum, they will not shy away from attending meetings to contribute to discussions for a better Ghana.

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Below is the statement: