NPP slams NDC over post-election violence, demands end to lawlessness

The General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Frimpong Kodua, has fiercely condemned what he described as acts of vandalism, intimidation, and lawlessness by supporters of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) following their victory in the December 7, 2024, general elections.

Addressing a press conference at the NPP headquarters in Accra on December 11, Mr. Kodua warned that the alleged actions threaten Ghana’s democratic stability. He called on the NDC leadership and relevant authorities to curb the unrest.

Mr. Kodua accused NDC supporters of storming collation centres, assaulting Electoral Commission (EC) officials, and coercing them into declaring results in favour of the NDC.

He cited specific incidents, including a December 9 attack on the EC’s Greater Accra regional office, where NDC supporters allegedly expelled security personnel and disrupted the collation process for key constituencies like Okaikwei Central and Ablekuma North.

Similar reports surfaced from constituencies such as Dome-Kwabenya, Tema Central, Ahafo Ano North, and Obuasi East, where NPP parliamentary candidates and EC officials were allegedly assaulted or threatened at gunpoint.

“These dastardly acts threaten the foundations of our democracy and could incite nationwide unrest if not addressed,” he stated.

The NPP General Secretary further accused NDC supporters of looting state properties and destroying private assets, including properties owned by NPP parliamentary candidates. He likened the incidents to the “dark days” of revolutionary impunity under the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC), the NDC’s ideological predecessor.

“Even after their presidential victory, the NDC has chosen violence over celebration. If this is their conduct after winning, what would they have done if they had lost?” he questioned.

Mr. Kodua expressed disappointment in the Ghana Police Service, accusing them of failing to act decisively. He alleged that officers stationed at key locations were instructed to “stand down,” emboldening the perpetrators.

“This lack of professionalism will forever taint the legacy of Dr. George Akuffo Dampare,” he remarked.

Despite the provocation, Mr. Kodua assured that the NPP would not retaliate, emphasising the party’s commitment to peace and Ghana’s 32-year-old democratic tradition.

“We have the support base to respond, but for the sake of democracy and peace, we have chosen not to retaliate,” he stated.

The NPP has resolved not to challenge the presidential election results but is demanding the reversal of parliamentary results allegedly declared under duress in constituencies like Dome-Kwabenya, Tema Central, and Obuasi East.

The NPP General Secretary urged the National Peace Council, Christian Council of Ghana, Ghana Bar Association, and the diplomatic community to condemn the NDC’s actions and protect Ghana’s democracy.

“The silence of key stakeholders in the face of this anarchy is troubling. We urge them to speak out and take action,” he said.

He called on the EC to act decisively to uphold the integrity of the December 7 elections.

“Ghana’s democracy is under threat, but with collective effort and adherence to the rule of law, we can safeguard our nation’s democratic integrity,” Mr. Kodua concluded.