Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice President of Ghana, has issued a statement expressing deep concern over what he describes as a wave of lawlessness and thuggery allegedly perpetrated by supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the aftermath of the 2024 general elections.
In his statement, he called on President-elect John Dramani Mahama to demonstrate leadership by restraining his supporters to preserve the nation’s peace and unity.
“I have noted with deep concern the embarrassing state of lawlessness and thuggery being unleashed on innocent Ghanaians and state institutions by members of the National Democratic Congress.
….I wish to call on the President-elect, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, to exhibit statesmanship by reining in his supporters in order to preserve the peace and unity of the country,” Dr. Bawumia said.
Allegations of Electoral-Related Violence
Dr. Bawumia highlighted several incidents where NDC supporters allegedly besieged collation centers wielding offensive weapons in attempts to forcibly declare their parliamentary candidates as winners.
He argued that such actions undermine Ghana’s democratic values and tarnish the credibility of the electoral process, which has been widely praised as free and fair.
Additionally, the Vice President accused the NDC of orchestrating violence against members and sympathizers of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
He noted that this aggression has extended to state institutions and public offices, with reports of looting and vandalism. Some offices have been forced to shut down, while private properties and individuals have reportedly become targets of threats and attacks.
A Call for Statesmanship
Dr. Bawumia expressed disappointment in what he termed the indifference and silence of President-elect Mahama and the NDC leadership in addressing these incidents.
“It is regrettable that these reprehensible acts are being perpetrated following an electoral process that has been widely touted as credible. We must at all times place the national interest over and above any individual interest,” he remarked.
He reminded Mr. Mahama that winning an election comes with a responsibility to ensure the protection of lives and property, emphasizing that governance is not an excuse for lawlessness.
Dr. Bawumia cautioned that failure to curb these acts of violence could compel individuals to take defensive measures, potentially escalating tensions further.
A Plea for National Unity
As Ghana seeks to consolidate its democratic gains, Dr. Bawumia urged the NDC to prove their commitment to democracy by fostering peace and unity.
“The last thing anybody wants is to mar the beauty of the successful elections that have just been concluded. Mr. Mahama and the NDC should demonstrate that they are not reluctant democrats,” he said.
The Vice President’s statement underscores the importance of peaceful transitions and respect for democratic principles as Ghana continues to serve as a beacon of democracy in Africa.
While there has been no immediate response from the NDC or President-elect Mahama, many Ghanaians are calling for calm and reconciliation to ensure that the nation remains united in the post-election period.
Below is the Full Statement:
H.E John Dramani Mahama Please Call Your Supporters To Order To Preserve The Peace And Unity of The Country
I have noted with deep concern the embarrassing state of lawlessness and thuggery being unleashed on innocent Ghanaians and state institutions by members of the National Democratic Congress.
I wish to call on the President-elect, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, to exhibit statesmanship by reining in his supporters in order to preserve the peace and unity of the country.
There have been many incidents of NDC members besieging collation centres with offensive weapons to forcibly declare NDC parliamentary candidates as winners of some parliamentary contests.
We believe that this is not in keeping with the democratic culture we are all trying to nurture.
I am also saddened by the indifference and silence on the part of Mr. John Dramani Mahama and the NDC in relation to the violence and mayhem being unleashed on members of the NPP and other people perceived to be sympathisers.
These wanton acts of lawlessness and brutality have been extended to state institutions and public offices, looting and stealing state properties in the process.
As a result of this, some public offices were forced to close for business. In a bizzare twist, these barbaric acts are being extended to private homes and properties of individuals, with some receiving death threats.
It is regrettable that these reprehensible acts are being perpetrated following an electoral process that has been widely touted as credible.We must at all times place the national interest over and above any individual interest.
I would like to remind President Mahama that he has won an election; he has not staged a coup detat. He has a responsibility to contribute to protect life and property.
I believe President Mahama and the NDC know that if these acts continue, people will be compelled to take reasonable steps to defend themselves.
The last thing anybody wants is to mar the beauty of the successful elections that have just been concluded.
Mr. Mahama and the NDC should demonstrate that they are not reluctant democrats.
Thank you.
