Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has issued a strongly-worded statement calling on President-elect John Dramani Mahama to intervene and curb acts of violence allegedly perpetrated by supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Supporters of the NDC are alleged to have vandalised state properties and persons percieved to be sympathisers of the NPP following the victory of the party in the just-ended general elections.
“We were here when we saw many members of the NDC coming, they looked angry and were shouting’ no Majeed, no peace’. They initially broke the glass door of the Electoral Commission office, but they were unable to enter. Fortunately, there was no officer at the office when they came”, Edward Amoah, a worker at the premises indicated.
In a statement on his facebook page, Dr. Bawumia expressed “deep concern” over what he described as “embarrassing lawlessness and thuggery” targeting innocent citizens, state institutions, and perceived supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). He urged Mr. Mahama to exhibit statesmanship and ensure the country’s peace and unity are upheld.
“There have been many incidents of NDC members besieging collation centres with offensive weapons to forcibly declare NDC parliamentary candidates as winners,” Dr. Bawumia said, noting that such actions undermine Ghana’s democratic culture.
The Vice President also condemned what he termed a “bizarre twist” of violence against private homes, properties, and individuals, some of whom have reportedly received death threats. He described the incidents as “reprehensible” and a blemish on what had been widely regarded as a credible electoral process.
“It is regrettable that these barbaric acts are being perpetrated following an electoral process that has been widely touted as credible,” he said, stressing that the national interest must take precedence over personal or party interests.
Dr. Bawumia further reminded Mr. Mahama of his responsibility as the President-elect, stating, “You have won an election; you have not staged a coup d’état. You have a responsibility to protect life and property.”
The statement comes amid reports of violence and looting in some parts of the country, which have forced public offices to close and disrupted normal business operations.
Dr. Bawumia warned that continued silence and inaction from Mr. Mahama and the NDC leadership could compel individuals to take defensive measures. He urged the President-elect to act swiftly to restore order and demonstrate a commitment to democracy and national unity.
