Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has issued a passionate call to President-elect John Dramani Mahama, urging him to intervene and curb the growing lawlessness attributed to supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). This appeal follows reports of armed NDC supporters assembling at collation centers, challenging parliamentary results, and causing unrest in the aftermath of Ghana's December 2024 general elections.
Dr. Bawumia, in a strongly worded statement released on December 9, expressed grave concerns about these incidents, describing them as detrimental to Ghana’s democratic culture. He highlighted cases where NDC supporters allegedly invaded collation centers, declaring parliamentary candidates as winners without awaiting official results. These actions, he stressed, undermine the integrity of Ghana’s electoral processes and threaten the peace of the nation.
Addressing the President-elect directly, Dr. Bawumia said, “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 centers 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.”
Dr. Bawumia went further to express dismay over reports of violence, including the dismantling of state institutions, looting of public offices, and threats to private properties. He called on Mahama to protect life and property, noting, “He has won an election; he has not staged a coup d’état. He has a responsibility to contribute to protecting life and property.”
The Vice President painted a dire picture of the situation, recounting how certain public offices were forced to close due to security concerns. Additionally, private individuals reportedly faced intimidation, with some receiving death threats. He decried these acts as unacceptable, urging the NDC and its leadership to prioritize the national interest above individual or partisan gains.
Dr. Bawumia also warned of the potential consequences of continued violence, cautioning that Ghanaians might resort to self-defense if the unrest persisted. “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,” he stated.
The Vice President lamented the indifference of the NDC leadership to the escalating violence, calling on Mahama to demonstrate his commitment to democracy by taking decisive action. “Mr. Mahama and the NDC should demonstrate that they are not reluctant democrats,” Dr. Bawumia said, challenging the President-elect to use his influence to restore calm and uphold the rule of law.
Dr. Bawumia’s concerns were echoed by other stakeholders, who urged all political parties to respect the electoral process and allow the Electoral Commission to carry out its mandate without interference. Observers have praised Ghana’s electoral system for its transparency and credibility, and the ongoing tensions risk tarnishing the country’s democratic reputation.
In response to the unrest, security agencies have heightened their presence in affected areas, working to maintain order and ensure the safety of citizens. Meanwhile, civic groups and international observers have called for calm and dialogue between political leaders to resolve any disputes amicably.
This year’s elections, widely regarded as one of the most closely contested in Ghana’s history, saw John Dramani Mahama emerge as the President-elect after securing a majority in both the presidential and parliamentary polls. The peaceful conduct of the elections was initially hailed as a triumph for democracy in Africa. However, the post-election tensions have raised concerns about the sustainability of this peace.
As Ghana transitions to a new administration, many hope that the leadership of both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the NDC will prioritize the nation's stability over partisan interests. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the country can maintain its status as a beacon of democracy in Africa.
Dr. Bawumia’s appeal to Mahama serves as a reminder of the shared responsibility of all political leaders to uphold the principles of democracy and ensure the safety and unity of the Ghanaian people.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0