‘Act Like a Statesman’: Bawumia Asks Mahama to Address NDC Supporter Violence

Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has expressed alarm over incidents of violence and unrest reportedly instigated by some supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the aftermath of the general elections.

In a statement issued on December 9, Dr. Bawumia urged President-elect John Dramani Mahama to exhibit leadership by calming tensions and ensuring peace prevails. He described recent actions, including alleged vandalism and intimidation by NDC supporters, as a threat to Ghana’s democratic progress.

“These acts of lawlessness undermine the democratic values we have nurtured. President Mahama must act swiftly to protect life, property, and our nation’s unity,” Dr. Bawumia stated, emphasizing that national interest must come before party agendas.

The Vice President lamented the silence from the NDC on these incidents, which include vandalism of state facilities, forced entry into collation centers, and threats against NPP supporters. He warned that such behavior could provoke retaliatory actions, jeopardizing national stability.

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 bizzare 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 detat. He has a responsibility to contribute to protect 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.

Responding to these concerns, President-elect Mahama, during his victory speech on December 10, called on NDC supporters to refrain from destructive behavior and focus on constructive efforts to rebuild the nation.

“We must channel our emotions into rebuilding and resetting our nation. Acts of vandalism are not the way forward,” Mahama stressed, underscoring his commitment to maintaining peace and unity.

The post-election period has spotlighted the urgent need for restraint and dialogue to preserve Ghana’s democratic gains.