The presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the 2024 general elections, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has urged President-elect John Dramani Mahama to take action in addressing the disruptive behaviour of the supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Dr. Bawumia emphasized that Mr. Mahama, having legitimately won the election, has not executed a coup d’état; thus, he bears the responsibility to safeguard the welfare and property of citizens. Reports indicate that NDC supporters have engaged in vandalism of state properties and targeted individuals perceived as sympathizers of the NPP following the recent election outcome. Notably, in the Efia Constituency of the Western Region, a group attempted to disrupt operations at the Takoradi office of the Electoral Commission.
An eyewitness recounted, “We observed a large group of NDC members approaching, appearing agitated and shouting, ‘No Majeed, no peace.’ They broke the glass door of the Electoral Commission office, but they did not manage to enter. Fortunately, there were no officers present at that time.”
In a statement on his Facebook page addressing these events, Dr. Bawumia stated, “I respectfully request that His Excellency John Dramani Mahama call upon his supporters to maintain order in order to preserve the peace and unity of our nation. I have observed with considerable concern the troubling escalation of lawlessness and intimidation directed toward innocent Ghanaians and state institutions by members of the NDC.
“I call upon the President-elect, Mr. Mahama, to exhibit statesmanship by urging his supporters to act responsibly and to maintain the peace and unity of our country. There have been numerous instances of NDC members surrounding collation centers with threatening weapons to impose the outcome of NDC parliamentary candidacies, which contravenes the democratic principles we aspire to uphold.
“I also express my dismay at the apparent apathy and silence exhibited by Mr. Mahama and the NDC in response to the violence faced by NPP members and individuals perceived as supporters. These acts of lawlessness and brutality have extended to state institutions and public offices, resulting in looting and theft of government property.
“As a result, several public offices have been compelled to cease operations. In a troubling development, these violent actions have escalated to include private homes and properties, with some individuals reporting death threats. It is regrettable that such reprehensible conduct is occurring following an electoral process widely recognized as credible. We must prioritize the national interest above personal agendas. I wish to remind President Mahama that he has won an election, and he has not orchestrated a coup d’état. He is obligated to contribute toward the protection of life and property.”
Dr. Bawumia further remarked, “I believe that President Mahama and the NDC understand that if these actions persist, citizens may be compelled to take measures to defend themselves. The last outcome any party desires is to undermine the integrity of the elections that have recently concluded. Mr. Mahama and the NDC should demonstrate a genuine commitment to upholding democratic values.”
