The inauguration of President John Dramani Mahama and Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has been marked by unfortunate scenes of individuals alleged to be affiliated with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) storming state agencies and government offices.
In some instances, some civil servants have not been spared by these individuals believed to be affiliated with the National Democratic Congress.
Despite the President’s repeated calls for calm, discipline, and adherence to lawful conduct, these acts persist, threatening national security and social cohesion.
Dr Kwame Asiedu Sarpong, a Democracy and Development Fellow at the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), has sharply criticised these developments, describing the actions as unhealthy and a direct threat to Ghana’s democratic fabric.
He has called on the government to take decisive action to halt this disturbing trend, emphasizing that such behaviour must not become a cyclical feature of political transitions in Ghana.
“This issue of party thugs storming offices must stop. It’s unhealthy and the government must move to stop it. It must not become a cyclic part of our power transfer. It has gotten to a point where people must be punished to send a message.”
Dr Kwame Asiedu Sarpong, a Fellow at the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana)
Party-affiliated thuggery during power transitions is not new in Ghana. Over the years, successive governments have either turned a blind eye to these acts or failed to enforce the law adequately.
These actions, often perpetrated under the guise of political loyalty, undermine state institutions and create an environment of impunity. Dr Sarpong minced no words in his condemnation, asserting that these incidents will only escalate without punitive measures, further eroding the sanctity of Ghana’s democratic institutions.
A Tale of Hypocrisy and Selective Outrage
In his remarks, Dr Kwame Asiedu Sarpong highlighted the glaring hypocrisy of individuals and groups who, in the past, justified or ignored similar acts of violence but are now calling for nonviolence.
“I find it hypocritical when those who saw nothing wrong with the beating up of a DSP at the seat of government in 2017, were mute when the Kumasi Coordinating Council was stormed, and the Ashanti Regional Security Coordinator manhandled or looked the other way when hoodlums stormed a court, now try to coach us about nonviolence.”
Dr Kwame Asiedu Sarpong, a Fellow at the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana)
This selective outrage, he argued, weakens the moral authority of those advocating for peace and order. Dr Sarpong’s critique cuts across political divides, challenging all stakeholders to uphold consistent standards of decency and accountability, regardless of political affiliation.
Addressing this issue requires a firm and nonpartisan approach. The Centre for Democratic Development Fellow strongly called on the government to act swiftly and decisively, noting that Ghana’s democracy cannot afford to be held hostage by partisan interests.
He also urged civil society, the media, and religious bodies to amplify their calls for justice and accountability, ensuring that such acts are met with widespread condemnation.
Moreover, he stressed the importance of punishing offenders to deter future occurrences. “This crass behaviour must end,” he said, adding, “The government must ensure that the rule of law prevails, and perpetrators face the full weight of the law.”
At its core, the issue goes beyond politics to touch on national security and social cohesion. The persistent acts of violence and lawlessness threaten to unravel the gains made in Ghana’s democratic journey.
It is therefore incumbent on the government, political parties, and all citizens to commit to this ideal and hold one another accountable to higher standards of governance and conduct.
READ ALSO: Expert Urges Bold Reforms for Ghana’s Oil Sector Growth
