Tensions are rising in Ghana's political landscape as the Parliamentary Majority has leveled serious accusations against two prominent National Democratic Congress (NDC) figures. Former Minister for National Security, Kofi Totobi Quakyi, and ex-National Security Coordinator, Larry Gbevlo-Lartey, are alleged to have orchestrated violent post-election activities, heightening fears of instability.
The claims, made during a press briefing on January 4, 2025, by the Majority in Parliament, suggest that coordinated acts of violence have been carried out since the conclusion of the 2024 General Elections. These alleged incidents reportedly target government officials and state institutions, with the perpetrators said to be linked to the NDC.
Deputy Majority Leader Patricia Appiagyei expressed grave concern over the situation, describing it as a threat to national security. She called on Ghanaians to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.
“We have received reliable intelligence indicating that acts of violence and thugs are being orchestrated by certain elements of the NDC leadership. Mr. Totobi Quakyi and Col (Rtd) Larry Gbevlo-Lartey are the key leaders who are behind these NDC thugs and inspiring them to violence against innocent Ghanaians,” she said.
Appiagyei further warned that the violence might escalate following the swearing-in of President-Elect John Dramani Mahama, scheduled for January 7.
Post-Election Violence Sparks Political Tensions
According to the Majority, numerous violent incidents have been recorded across the country since the December 2024 elections. These acts include attacks on government appointees, vandalism of state properties, and general thuggery allegedly orchestrated by groups affiliated with the NDC.
The timing of the allegations is noteworthy. Just a day before the accusations were made, President-Elect Mahama had announced the appointment of Totobi Quakyi and Gbevlo-Lartey to an interim team overseeing national security. The Majority argues that this move raises questions about the involvement of these individuals in the recent unrest.
During the press briefing, Appiagyei accused the two NDC stalwarts of inciting violence and creating an atmosphere of fear. “This raises serious national security concerns about the safety of public officials and the citizenry as a whole,” she stated.
The Deputy Majority Leader also called on the public to support efforts to curb the violence, emphasizing the need for a collective approach to ensure national safety.
Majority Chief Whip Calls for Leadership from Mahama
Adding his voice to the matter, Majority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh urged President-Elect Mahama to take decisive action to end the violence. He criticized the NDC for allegedly failing to acknowledge the issue and called on the incoming administration to demonstrate leadership.
“They claim they don’t know anything about them, but they were chanting ‘3y3 Zu, 3y3 Za’ and they were responding to them,” Annoh-Dompreh said, referring to slogans associated with the NDC.
The Chief Whip expressed skepticism over the NDC’s denial of involvement, citing intelligence reports that suggest the party’s knowledge of the alleged acts. “Even before they are taking over, we’ve heard of the plans and all the actions and all that they are doing,” he added.
Annoh-Dompreh warned that if the President-Elect fails to act, the Majority would consider all legal options to address the issue. “We hope the president will show leadership. If they do not show leadership, we will advise ourselves and, as the law permits, we will resort to any means, legal and permissible, to ensure that we’re not taken for granted,” he declared.
NDC Denies Allegations
The NDC has dismissed the allegations as baseless and politically motivated. Party representatives argue that the accusations are part of a deliberate attempt by the Majority to tarnish the image of the President-Elect and his team ahead of the inauguration.
In a statement released shortly after the press briefing, the NDC described the claims as “an unfortunate distraction from the pressing issues facing the nation.” The party also reiterated its commitment to peaceful governance and urged its supporters to remain calm.
A History of Political Tensions
Ghana has long been lauded for its democratic stability, but post-election tensions are not uncommon. While the country has experienced peaceful transitions of power in recent years, political rivalries often intensify in the aftermath of closely contested elections.
The accusations against Quakyi and Gbevlo-Lartey mark a new chapter in Ghana’s political discourse. Both men are seasoned security experts with extensive experience in public service. Their appointment to the interim national security team was widely seen as a strategic move by President-Elect Mahama to strengthen his administration’s security apparatus.
However, the allegations by the Majority have cast a shadow over their roles, with critics questioning their suitability for such sensitive positions.
Calls for Unity Amid Rising Divisions
As the country prepares for the swearing-in of a new administration, stakeholders are calling for unity and dialogue to address the rising tensions. Civil society organizations and
blogpay
Total Comments: 0