Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has called on President-elect John Mahama to intervene and stop National Democratic Congress (NDC) supporters from gathering at collation centres armed with offensive weapons.
Bawumia in a statement reminded Mahama that he has won an election; he has not staged a coup d’etat, therefore he has a responsibility to contribute to protecting life and property.
“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,” Bawumia urged.
According to the NPP presidential candidate, there have been incidents of NDC members besieging collation centres, allegedly forcing declarations in favor of NDC parliamentary candidates while others have vandalised state agencies.
He also voiced apprehensions regarding the dismantling of state institutions and public offices, as well as the looting and theft of state assets.
Meanwhile, President-elect Mahama has already called on members of the NDC to desist from acts of vandalism following his victory in the 2024 general elections.
Speaking during his victory speech at his campaign office on December 10, John Mahama addressed reports of damage to government property by some party supporters.
“There have been reports of acts of vandalism at some government facilities and installations. I urge you not to vent your frustration in a criminal enterprise,” Mr Mahama cautioned.
He urged party members to redirect their energy and emotions towards productive efforts, stressing the importance of unity in rebuilding the nation.
“We must channel our anger and frustration into the positive enterprise of resetting and rebuilding our nation,” he said.
Read below the statement by Dr Mahamudu Bawumia
H.E John Dramani Mahama Please Call Your Supporters To Order To Preserve The Peace And Unity of The Country.
I have noted with deep concern the embarrassing state of lawlessness and thuggery being unleashed on innocent Ghanaians and state institutions by members of the National Democratic Congress.
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.
I am also saddened by the indifference and silence on the part of Mr. John Dramani Mahama and the NDC in relation to the violence and mayhem being unleashed on members of the NPP and other people perceived to be sympathisers. These wanton acts of lawlessness and brutality have been extended to state institutions and public offices, looting and stealing state properties in the process.
As a result of this, some public offices were forced to close for business. In a bizarre twist, these barbaric acts are being extended to private homes and properties of individuals, with some receiving death threats.
It is regrettable that these reprehensible acts are being perpetrated following an electoral process that has been widely touted as credible. We must at all times place the national interest over and above any individual interest.
I would like to remind President Mahama that he has won an election; he has not staged a coup d’etat. He has a responsibility to contribute to protecting life and property.
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. Mr. Mahama and the NDC should demonstrate that they are not reluctant democrats.
Thank you.