NPP Calls on NDC to Restrain Supporters and Prevent Violence Following Election Chaos
Mustapha Sallam, the National Youth Organizer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has issued a strong appeal to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to rein in its supporters, warning of potential reprisals if the violent actions persist.
At a press conference on Monday, December 9, 2024 following the December 7, 2024, elections, which marked Ghana’s 9th successful election under the Fourth Republic, Sallam emphasized the importance of protecting the nation’s hard-won peace, security, and democratic values.
The NPP youth leader its leader, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, for demonstrating exemplary statesmanship by conceding to John Mahama just 14 hours after the polls closed.
Dr. Bawumia’s decision was hailed as a commitment to the nation’s stability, contrasting sharply with the NDC’s previous behavior during the 2016 and 2020 elections.
However, Sallam expressed deep concern over the actions of NDC supporters, accusing them of instigating chaos and violence across the country.
He criticized the NDC for falsely attributing acts of vandalism and looting of state properties to NPP supporters, despite no evidence to support these claims.
He called on the police to act swiftly to protect citizens and arrest those responsible for the ongoing acts of violence.
The NPP condemned the escalating violence, which has seen NDC supporters attacking Electoral Commission (EC) officials, NPP parliamentary candidates, and security personnel. Incidents have been widely reported across the country, including physical assaults, the destruction of property, and the seizing and burning of ballots and electoral documents.
These actions, Sallam said, were disrupting electoral processes in several constituencies, including Dome Kwabenya, Okaikwei Central, Tema Central, Nsawam Adoagyiri, and many others.
Key incidents include an attack by NDC supporters on the NPP’s election operations center in Madina, a machete attack on the NPP office in Okaikwei North, clashes between NDC voters and military personnel in Obuasi East, and the vandalism of an NPP vehicle in the Tolon Constituency.
Sallam stressed that these acts of violence are part of a broader strategy to provoke the security forces and destabilize the electoral process.
The NPP also condemned the looting of public and private properties by NDC supporters in areas such as Greater Accra, Ayawaso North, Tamale, and other regions.
These acts of violence, the party warned, could lead to greater instability and undermine Ghana’s reputation as a beacon of democracy in Africa.
The NPP pledged to protect Ghana’s democracy, calling on all citizens to stand firm against any efforts to undermine it and urged the Ghana Police Service to maintain law and order at all collation centers and to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
He called on the Electoral Commission to execute its mandate without fear or favour, ensuring that all electoral procedures are carried out swiftly and without interference.
The NPP demanded that John Mahama, the leader of the NDC, instruct his supporters to cease their violent actions and allow the Electoral Commission to fulfil its duties without further obstruction.
Sallam reminded Ghanaians to work together to preserve the peace, unity, and stability that has long been the cornerstone of the nation’s democracy.
He cautioned that continued provocation could lead to uncontrollable reactions, potentially jeopardizing national stability, saying, “We are one nation with a shared destiny. Elections should never justify violence or division,” he said. “Let us all unite to protect our democracy and our future.”
Source: Felix Nyaaba//expressnewsghana.com
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