The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has called on President-Elect John Dramani Mahama to take immediate steps to de-escalate tensions and curb post-election violence allegedly instigated by supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Addressing the media on Monday at the campaign headquarters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, National Youth Organizer Salaam Mustapha expressed disappointment at the ‘former President’s silence‘ on the ongoing attacks and looting across parts of the country following his landslide victory in the December 7, 2024, elections.
In a pointed remark to President Mahama, Salaam Mustapha said, “It is you, who will be responsible for Ghana’s peace, security, and economic stability in a few weeks.”
“We are therefore highly surprised and deeply disappointed that you look on whilst these incidents weakening the foundation of peace, security, and economic stability to be handed to you continue.”
The NPP, he said, demands that John Mahama immediately instruct his supporters to desist from acts of violence, stand down and allow the EC to do its work.”
The NPP catalogued incidents of violence allegedly perpetrated by NDC supporters across the country, particularly in the following constituencies: Dome Kwabenya, Tema Central, Obuasi East, Damango, and Techiman South.
The NPP also alleged the seizure and destruction of election materials, such as ballots and pink sheets, in an attempt to disrupt collation processes in contested constituencies.
Salaam Mustapha accused NDC supporters of engaging in widespread looting of public and private properties in Ayawaso North and in Tamale where the Agric office and the school feeding warehouse were looted and NPP constituency offices in various regions vandalized.
He said, “This is exactly what leads to electoral violence. The NDC is challenging and pushing the security forces to respond so they can quickly turn around and accuse them of intimidation and violence on their supporters.”
The NPP outlined three urgent demands to address the growing tensions and post-election violence and warned it will not allow the NDC to undermine Ghana’s hard-won democracy.
It charged the Ghana Police Service to maintain peace at collation centres and protect the sanctity of the electoral process so the Electoral Commission can fulfil its constitutional mandate without intimidation or interference.
Salaam Mustapha warned that while its supporters have exercised restraint in the interest of peace, their patience is wearing thin.
“NPP supporters have stood firm in the interest of peace and democracy, but our patience is being tested. We will firmly defend ourselves against any attack on us or our members,” he cautioned.
The NPP called on all Ghanaians to reject violence and work together to preserve the peace and stability that have defined Ghana’s democracy.
“Elections are not a justification for violence or division. Let us all work together to maintain the peace and stability that have been the hallmark of our democracy,” he emphasized.
The NPP reiterated its commitment to safeguarding Ghana’s democracy and called on all stakeholders, particularly President-Elect Mahama, to act swiftly in restoring order and fostering national unity.