NDC Slams Election-Related Vandalism, Calls for Peaceful Celebrations

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has denounced acts of vandalism and lawlessness reported nationwide following the December 7 elections.

In a December 9, 2024 press statement signed by General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, the NDC expressed disappointment over the incidents involving both disgruntled New Patriotic Party (NPP) supporters and overenthusiastic NDC members.

The party accused some NPP supporters of looting and destruction, attributing their actions to frustration over alleged hoarding of state-procured items, such as food and fertilizers, reportedly meant for voter inducement. Meanwhile, some NDC supporters, elated by the party’s victory, were also implicated in property damage.

The NDC reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy for lawlessness and urged Ghanaians, particularly its supporters, to celebrate responsibly.

“The vandalism of state property, mob justice, and any form of lawless retribution… will not be countenanced by the Ghana Police Service,” the statement emphasized.

The party pledged its commitment to peace and the rule of law as President-Elect John Dramani Mahama prepares to take office, urging supporters nationwide to remain calm and trust the legal processes to address grievances.

Read full statement below;

PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
9th December, 2024

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has noted with dismay, the vandalism of state properties by some persons in certain parts of the country since yesterday, 8th December, 2024.

Some of these acts of vandalism and looting of state properties, are reported to have been carried out by disgruntled supporters of the New Patriotic Party who are of the belief that their party Parliamentary Candidates hoarded state-procured food items, fertilizer and other materials which were meant to be distributed before the December 7 elections, as part of the NPP’s voter-inducement strategy.

Also, some of these unfortunate incidents are reported to have been carried out by over-jubilant supporters of the NDC who have been carried away by the excitement of the party’s resounding victory in the just-ended Presidential and Parliamentary elections.

The NDC hereby condemns in no uncertain terms these acts of lawlessness whether carried out by NDC supporters or supporters of other parties.

While we appreciate the legitimate frustration of the Ghanaian people against the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia/NPP regime, we wish to call on Ghanaians, especially the rank and file of the NDC, to exercise restraint and to go about their jubilations with a sense of responsibility.

The NDC remains committed to upholding probity and accountability in government. And this, we shall begin to do after assuming the reins of office on 7th January, 2025 in accordance with the RULE OF LAW.

The vandalism of state property, mob justice and any form lawless retribution have the potential to undermine the peace and stability of our dear nation, hence unacceptable. Such lawless acts constitute grievous offenses under the laws of Ghana and will not be countenanced by the Ghana Police Service.

The NDC calls for calm among all its supporters across the sixteen (16) regions of Ghana. Comrades, our hard fought and long-awaited victory has finally arrived. Let’s celebrate this victory responsibly and trust the incoming NDC/Mahama government to do the needful in accordance with the rule of law. The day of accountability is finally here. Our patience is very critical at this stage.

SIGNED.
FIFI FIAVI KWETEY
GENERAL SECRETARY