Tensions remain high across parts of Ghana as youth supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) continue their attacks, days after the Electoral Commission (EC) declared the results of the 2024 general elections. The attacks, which began immediately after Dr. Bawumia’s concession statement, have been marked by a series of destructionand looting targeting state institutions.
According to reports, irate youth, suspected to be members of the NDC, yesterday stormed the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), the head office of the Ghana National Gas Company Limited (GNGCL) at Airport Residential Area in Accra to allegedly demand a takeover.
Others also attacked Greater Accra Regional Office of the Electoral Commission (EC) amid growing frustration over the delayed declaration of the Ablekuma North parliamentary race results.
At the GPHA office, per eyewitness account, there were reported scenes of disruption as a group of individuals, believed to be affiliated with the NDC, gathered near the premises, chanting slogans and expressing dissatisfaction with President Akufo-Addo’s government.
In a video, the youth were captured attempting to forcibly open the main gate to the premises. This action comes despite calls from NDC National Communications Officer Sammy Gyamfi for supporters to celebrate their victory in the presidential and parliamentary elections with moderation.
Another visual footage from the showed NDC supporters entering the Greater Accra EC building, where they caused damage to some louvre blades and other property. The protest followed the refusal of police to allow the demonstrators onto the EC premises.
In addition to the disruption at the EC office, the protesters earlier blocked roads in the area, leading to temporary traffic disruptions. The police quickly intervened, forcing the protesters to clear the roads.
The unrest stemmed from the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the outcome of the Ablekuma North race, one of the most fiercely contested constituencies in the 2024 elections. Both the NDC and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) had laid claim to victory, fuelling the stand-off.
Meanwhile, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has expressed deep concern over the reports of lawlessness and violence allegedly perpetrated by members of the National Democratic Congress.
In a statement on Faceboook, Dr. Bawumia called on the president-elect, John Dramani Mahama, to act decisively to curb these incidents and ensure peace and stability across the nation.
Dr. Bawumia criticised what he described as a wave of attacks targeting state institutions, public offices and private individuals. He alleged that NDC supporters had besieged collation centres with weapons, forcefully declared NDC parliamentary candidates as winners in some constituencies, and looted state properties.
“These wanton acts of lawlessness and brutality have been extended to state institutions and public offices, looting and stealing state properties in the process. Some public offices were forced to close for business,” Dr. Bawumia stated. He also expressed concern over threats to private homes and properties of individuals, including death threats, which he described as a “bizarre twist” to the post-election violence.
Dr. Bawumia urged President-elect Mahama to demonstrate leadership and statesmanship by reining in his supporters to preserve the nation’s peace and unity.
“I would like to remind President Mahama that he has won an election; he has not staged a coup d’état. He has a responsibility to contribute to protect life and property,” Dr. Bawumia said. He warned that if the violence continued, individuals might be forced to take defensive actions, which could escalate tensions.
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