The recent violent clash between supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Mamobi, Accra, has sparked widespread concern among the general public.
The incident, which reportedly occurred during simultaneous health walks organized by both parties, left nearly nine individuals with various injuries, according to a police report.
As tensions continue to mount ahead of the 2024 general elections, former President John Dramani Mahama has condemned the violence, warning that impunity within the political system could soon result in a bloodbath if not addressed.
Former President Mahama, who is also the flagbearer of the NDC, expressed alarm over the use of firearms during the altercation, which could have easily resulted in fatalities.
“I saw what happened the other day in Mamobi and heard it was the result of health walks. The two opposing parties were holding health works or something, and then there was a clash somewhere.
“But even if there was a clash, I mean, maybe it might not have led to the loss of lives. But people had weapons and they fired shots and injured people. The reason why this continues is because there’s impunity.”
Former President John Dramani Mahama, NDC flagbearer
The former President’s remarks reflect growing fears about the culture of impunity that has emboldened individuals to act with violence, knowing they will likely escape accountability.
He pointed out that those responsible for such acts often have ties to the political establishment, making them untouchable by law enforcement. “Those who have those weapons know that nothing will happen to them. They will do it and get away with it because they are operatives of the system,” he said.
The 2019 Ayawaso West Wuogon Bye-election Violence
The National Democratic Congress Presidential Candidate for the upcoming 2024 general elections criticism went beyond the specific incident in Mamobi, as he drew parallels to the violence witnessed during the Ayawaso West Wuogon bye-election in 2019.
During that election, armed men believed to be aligned with the ruling party attacked opposition supporters, leading to widespread condemnation and a subsequent commission of inquiry.
Despite recommendations from the Commission of Inquiry to punish the perpetrators, former President Mahama noted that the government failed to take action, thereby setting a dangerous precedent.
“Even when a commission of inquiry was set and said these people should be dealt with, the government didn’t take any actions against them. And as long as that government doesn’t deal with them, others will be emboldened to do the same thing”.
Former President John Dramani Mahama, NDC flagbearer
The former President’s remarks also carried a deep sense of frustration over the lack of accountability in the political system.
He argued that the inability of the state to punish political violence only paves the way for future unrest.
“It’s not that these people are not known. The society knows those who fired those shots and injured those people,” he said, calling for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the individuals involved in the Mamobi violence.
Calls on Moral Voice to Speak Out
For former President Mahama, the growing impunity is not just a political issue, but a societal one that requires the intervention of moral authorities.
He called on chiefs, religious leaders, and civil society organizations to use their platforms to condemn the violence and demand accountability.
“The moral voice of society must be heard. And the moral voice of society resides in our chiefs, our religious leaders, and our civil society organizations,” he urged, stressing that the silence of these key institutions only enables the cycle of violence to continue.
The flagbearer and leader of the opposition NDC’s warning about the potential for future bloodshed was particularly scared. He cautioned that if the state continues to ignore political violence, ordinary citizens might soon feel the need to arm themselves in self-defence.
“We are peace-loving. But like I’m saying, if impunity develops and continues, a time will come when people will realize that the state cannot protect them.
“And when people realize the state cannot protect them, then they take measures to defend themselves. And when that happens, we really would have a bloodbath. And so this is the time for all of us to speak out.”
Former President John Dramani Mahama, NDC flagbearer
The former President’s comments paint a bleak picture of the consequences of unchecked political violence. He warned that a time could come when clashes between political supporters would escalate into full-blown shootouts, with more lives at risk.
In his closing remarks, former President Mahama reiterated the need for swift action to prevent the situation from spiralling out of control.
He called on law enforcement to act decisively by arresting and prosecuting those responsible for the Mamobi clash.
“Those who are identified to have shot people who were armed should be arrested and dealt with by the law. If people know that you’ll be arrested and dealt with by the law, they’ll refrain from doing what they do”.
Former President John Dramani Mahama, NDC flagbearer
As the 2024 elections draw nearer, former President Mahama’s condemnation of the violence in Mamobi underscored the growing threat of political violence in the country.
His call for accountability and moral leadership is not only a plea for justice but also a warning of the dire consequences that await if impunity continues to thrive.
With tensions running high and political rivalries intensifying, the former President’s words may well be a timely alarm before any avoidable violence escalates beyond control.
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