Akufo-Addo blames NDC for post-election violence

Outgoing President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has blamed the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the post-election violence that followed Ghana’s 2024 general elections.

He also criticised the police for their delayed response, calling for swift and effective measures to prevent such disturbances in the future.

Speaking at the bicentennial anniversary of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana on Sunday, December 22, in Accra, Akufo-Addo decried the acts of hooliganism, vandalism, and violence that erupted after the elections.

“It is with deep concern that I acknowledge the unfortunate incidents of post-election hooliganism, vandalism, and violence that followed. These acts are completely unnecessary and wholly unacceptable. They must never reoccur,” he stated.

Akufo-Addo accused the NDC leadership and sympathisers of being involved in the unrest.

“It is particularly regrettable that these unfortunate disturbances appeared to involve some executives and sympathisers of the victorious party, the National Democratic Congress,” he noted.

While commending the police for their general oversight during the election process, the president criticised their slow response to the post-election violence.

“I commend the security services, especially the police, for the effective monitoring of the election, which ensured a peaceful process. But I will ask the leadership of the police to review its practices, as they allowed the post-election violence to linger for too long before it was brought under control,” Akufo-Addo said.

Akufo-Addo also applauded the Electoral Commission (EC) for its professionalism in overseeing the electoral process, describing its work as diligent and transparent.

“The Electoral Commission deserves our praise for its diligent and transparent efforts in supervising the electoral process and compiling and delivering the results of the elections,” he said.

In his concluding remarks, Akufo-Addo urged Ghanaians to safeguard the nation’s democracy and avoid actions that undermine its progress.

“Let us protect and cherish the enviable democracy we have built. It is the foundation of our collective progress,” he emphasised.

The president’s comments come in the wake of the 2024 elections, which saw the NDC’s John Dramani Mahama declared winner with 56.55% of the vote. The violence has raised concerns about maintaining Ghana’s reputation as a beacon of democracy in Africa.