Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has called on President-elect John Dramani Mahama to rein in his supporters to safeguard the peace and unity of the country.
Dr. Bawumia expressed deep concern over what he described as the growing incidents of lawlessness and thuggery being perpetrated against innocent Ghanaians and state institutions by individuals associated with the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
He emphasized that such acts threaten the country’s stability and called for immediate action to restore order and uphold the rule of law.
The Vice President urged President-elect Mahama to demonstrate leadership by ensuring that his supporters respect the rights of all citizens and the integrity of public institutions.
“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”.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
Dr. Bawumia further criticized the conduct of NDC supporters, stating that their actions are contrary to the democratic values that Ghanaians are collectively striving to uphold.
He expressed disappointment over the perceived indifference and silence of President-elect John Mahama and the NDC regarding the violence and chaos being inflicted on members of the NPP and individuals believed to be their sympathizers.
Dr. Bawumia further highlighted that the acts of lawlessness and brutality have extended to state institutions and public offices, resulting in the looting and theft of state property.
He called for decisive action to protect public resources and maintain law and order. “As a result of this, some public offices were forced to close for business”.
The Vice President described the situation as taking a disturbing turn, with the violence extending beyond public spaces to target private homes and personal properties of individuals.
He noted that, in some cases, residents have been subjected to harassment, intimidation, and even death threats.
Mahama Urged to Prioritize National Interest
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia expressed regret that such reprehensible acts are occurring in the aftermath of an electoral process widely regarded as credible and transparent.
He described the situation as unfortunate, emphasizing that it undermines Ghana’s hard-earned reputation as a beacon of democracy in Africa.
The Vice President stressed the need for all Ghanaians to prioritize the national interest above personal or partisan agendas.
He argued that safeguarding peace, unity, and democratic stability should be the shared responsibility of every citizen, regardless of their political affiliation.
Dr. Bawumia called on political leaders, particularly President-elect John Mahama, to demonstrate statesmanship by urging their supporters to act with restraint and respect for the rule of law.
“I would like to remind President Mahama that he has won an election; he has not staged a coup de tat. 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”.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia stressed that it is imperative to protect the integrity and success of Ghana’s recently concluded elections, which have been widely hailed as credible and transparent.
He noted that the last thing anyone would want is to tarnish the image of the electoral process with acts of violence, lawlessness, and disorder.
According to the Vice President, preserving the peaceful legacy of Ghana’s democratic elections is crucial for maintaining the nation’s reputation as a model of democracy in Africa.
He urged all stakeholders, including political leaders, supporters, and the general public, to uphold the principles of peace, unity, and respect for the rule of law. “Mr. Mahama and the NDC should demonstrate that they are not reluctant democrats”.
