Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has called on President-elect John Dramani Mahama to take swift action to prevent members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) from engaging in violent actions at collation centres across the country. His statement comes in the wake of reports suggesting that some NDC supporters have been gathering at key collation points with offensive weapons to protest delays in announcing parliamentary election results or attempt to make unilateral declarations of victory for their candidates.
Dr. Bawumia expressed his disapproval of these actions, stating they undermine the democratic principles Ghana has worked hard to establish and maintain. The Vice President urged the President-elect to exhibit statesmanship and intervene by restraining his supporters to ensure peace and order within the nation.
According to Dr. Bawumia, it is concerning that certain NDC members have been engaging in acts that destabilize the democratic process, such as surrounding collation centres with weapons and using intimidation tactics to make it appear that their candidates have won elections. He emphasized that these actions are not representative of the democratic values that all parties and citizens should strive to uphold.
Dr. Bawumia's statement, released on December 9, called for a strong commitment to lawful electoral processes and respect for institutions that are central to Ghana’s democracy. He stated, “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.”
He further raised concerns about the increasing trend of violence and attacks on state institutions and public offices by some individuals believed to be NDC sympathizers. Reports suggest that these acts of aggression include looting and vandalizing government facilities, stealing public resources, and using coercion to threaten perceived opposition members and their supporters. Such actions, according to Dr. Bawumia, not only destabilize democracy but also infringe on the rights and safety of innocent Ghanaians.
He added that certain government offices had been forced to shut operations due to these violent incidents, creating unnecessary disruption to the administrative process. Dr. Bawumia specifically highlighted the dangers associated with these acts, such as death threats, targeted attacks on private homes, and the creation of a climate of fear.
Dr. Bawumia reiterated that these incidents could derail the progress Ghana has made in fostering democracy and stability and that maintaining national peace must remain the priority for all political leaders and their supporters. His statement further highlighted the need to prioritize national interests above personal or political gains.
“We must place the national interest over any individual interest,” Dr. Bawumia stated firmly, warning that should these acts of lawlessness continue, they could lead to more widespread unrest. He reminded President Mahama that his victory represents an electoral mandate and not an assertion of power through force, stating, “He has won an election; he has not staged a coup d’etat. He has a responsibility to contribute to protecting life and property.”
The Vice President expressed apprehension over the possible fallout from unchecked acts of violence and the implications they could have for Ghana’s democratic stability. He called on President Mahama and the NDC to show restraint and leadership by ensuring their actions and their supporters’ actions align with Ghana’s democratic values. Dr. Bawumia believes it is important for the President-elect and his party to prove their commitment to democracy by ensuring peace and stability across the country.
Dr. Bawumia’s call comes at a time when Ghana has widely been commended for having a relatively peaceful electoral process, even in the face of tension and delays in some parliamentary contest results. His remarks indicate that peace is not just about winning elections but also about ensuring that democracy functions without violence, intimidation, and disorder.
The Vice President expressed optimism that President Mahama can set an example by addressing these issues immediately and urging his supporters to respect Ghana’s electoral and democratic processes. Such action would go a long way in demonstrating that the NDC respects not just the will of the people but also the institutions set up to uphold democratic principles.
Dr. Bawumia closed his statement by urging Mahama and the NDC to reaffirm their commitment to democracy, noting that unchecked violence could tarnish the beauty of Ghana’s democratic achievements. He pointed out that maintaining peace and respecting the outcomes of elections are key pillars of upholding democracy and national unity.
The Vice President’s call underscores a pivotal moment in Ghana’s political transition as the country navigates the aftermath of the elections. As the President-elect prepares to assume office, it is expected that his leadership will be tested by his ability to ensure a smooth and peaceful transition and address the concerns raised by the Vice President in maintaining national peace and stability.
The Vice President's statement sends a strong and timely message to all political parties and their supporters to adhere to the principles of democracy, rule of law, and peaceful coexistence. It is hoped that this call will bring about the necessary actions to prevent further political violence and ensure that Ghana remains a shining example of democratic governance in West Africa.
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