Dr. John Kpikpi condemned post-election violence in Ghana, urging political leaders to prioritize national unity and restraint among supporters. He highlighted incidents of clashes and vandalism involving NDC and NPP supporters, calling for swift action from authorities to protect democracy and safeguard public order. His statements emphasize the need to resolve political grievances through peaceful means, protecting Ghana’s reputation as a democratic beacon in Africa.
Dr. John Kpikpi, the leader of the Progressive Alliance for Ghana, has expressed strong condemnation of the recent violence that erupted across various regions of Ghana following the conclusion of the 2024 general elections. In a statement released on December 16, 2024, he emphasized the critical need for calm and urged political leaders to take definitive measures to control their supporters, cautioning that the ongoing turmoil jeopardizes Ghana’s esteemed status as a democratic stronghold in Africa.
The reported disturbances involved clashes between alleged supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), resulting in the vandalism of state property and confrontations with law enforcement due to disputes over parliamentary results. Specific acts of violence included the burning of Electoral Commission offices located in the Eastern Region, injuries inflicted upon security personnel striving to restore public order, and interruptions to the electoral collation processes in significant constituencies such as Dome-Kwabenya and Tema Central. Moreover, there were accounts of aggressive actions taken by presumed NPP members against NDC supporters.
Dr. Kpikpi characterized these incidents as “deeply regrettable” and “unacceptable.” He appealed to political leaders, including President-elect John Mahama, to exhibit statesmanship by placing national unity above partisan agendas. He stated, “While political grievances may arise, they must be addressed through legal and peaceful means rather than violence. Ghana’s democracy has long been a beacon of hope across Africa, and these actions threaten to tarnish our global reputation.”
Furthermore, he called upon the Ghana Police Service and military personnel to engage promptly and decisively in order to protect both lives and property while upholding democratic principles. He urged civil society organizations and spiritual leaders to persist in fostering peace and accountability amongst all political factions.
The context of Dr. Kpikpi’s statements arises from the escalating tensions and violence reported in Ghana following the 2024 general elections. Historically, Ghana has been viewed as a model of democratic governance in Africa, often cited for its peaceful electoral processes. However, the recent outbreaks of violence have raised concerns about the stability of this democratic reputation. Political divisions between the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have intensified, as evidenced by confrontations and vandalism following the elections, prompting calls for immediate action to prevent further unrest and safeguard national integrity.
In conclusion, Dr. John Kpikpi’s appeal for unity and restraint among Ghanaian political leaders highlights the urgent need to address post-election violence through peaceful means. His emphasis on maintaining Ghana’s democratic reputation underscores the importance of statesmanship in times of electoral disputes. Moving forward, it is crucial for all stakeholders, including law enforcement and civil society, to work collaboratively to restore calm and uphold democratic values within the nation.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
