Post-Election Violence: Call Your Supporters To Order - Bawumia tells Mahama
Ghana's Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has called on President-elect John Dramani Mahama to urge his supporters to cease violent attacks on innocent Ghanaians, state institutions, and members of the opposing New Patriotic Party (NPP).
In a Facebook post on Dec 9, Dr. Bawumia expressed deep concern over the escalating lawlessness and thuggery, which he believes threatens the peace and unity of the country. He cited instances of NDC members besieging collation centers with weapons, looting state properties, and issuing death threats to individuals perceived to be NPP sympathizers.
Dr. Bawumia emphasized that these actions are not in line with Ghana's democratic culture and urged President-elect Mahama to demonstrate statesmanship by reining in his supporters. He reminded Mahama that he has a responsibility to protect life and property, having won the election democratically.
The Vice President's call comes amid reports of widespread violence and intimidation by NDC supporters, which has forced some public offices to close. Dr. Bawumia warned that if these acts continue, citizens may be compelled to take defensive measures, which could undermine the peaceful outcome of the elections.
''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,'' portions of his Facebook post read.
Find the full Facebook post from Dr. Bawumia below.
Source: Lead News Online
