A civil group, One Ghana Movement, has condemned the reports of violence, vandalism, and looting reported across several parts of Ghana following the presidential election.
Beginning Monday, December 9, 2024, reports of violence were recorded in Damongo, Awutu Senya, Nsawam, Tamale, Techiman South, and Accra.
In a press statement, the movement described these acts as a grave threat to Ghana’s peace and unity, emphasising that they undermine the democratic values and rule of law that Ghanaians have worked diligently to uphold.
While acknowledging the peaceful concession by the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential candidate, the movement called on all citizens to remember that elections are not merely contests of ideas but also reflections of a shared commitment to a united and peaceful Ghana.
“The One Ghana Movement urges all citizens to remember that elections are not just a competition of ideas and policies, but also a reflection of our shared commitment to a peaceful and united Ghana. Violence and destruction are antithetical to this vision.
“We call on the President-elect, John Dramani Mahama, to take immediate and decisive action to address this unrest. As the next leader of our nation and a symbol of its unity, we urge him to: 1. Publicly and unequivocally condemn the violence that is being perpetrated in his name. 2. Call on all Ghanaians to desist from any further acts of violence, vandalism, and lawlessness. 3. Assure the public that he will work with the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies to ensure that perpetrators of these criminal acts are held accountable according to the law without fear or favour and irrespective of their political affiliation.”
The movement also called on outgoing President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to direct security forces to act swiftly and impartially to restore order in affected communities.
It emphasised the need for arrests and prosecutions to deter future acts of violence.
“We call on H.E. the President, Nana Akuffo-Addo, to direct the Ghana Police Service to act swiftly and impartially to restore order, protect lives and property in the affected communities and commence arrests and prosecutions of perpetrators.”
