Police in Ghana have arrested over 100 people, mainly opposition supporters of President-elect John Mahama, due to acts of lawlessness following the elections. Supporters of Mahama, who are reportedly seeking jobs, allegedly attacked state institutions, looted properties, and caused disturbances that left some police and military personnel injured. They also set fire to two electoral commission offices due to delays in announcing the election results and disputes over some parliamentary outcomes.
Mahama condemned the vandalism and urged President Nana Akufo-Addo and security forces to take “decisive” action against the violence. Vice-President Bawumia, the defeated candidate of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), called on Mahama to rein in his supporters.
In Ghana, it is common for supporters of the winning party to seize state institutions, demanding that the outgoing government’s appointees vacate their offices before the new president is sworn in. This behavior stems from the country’s winner-takes-all politics, where the ruling party controls state institutions, including jobs and contracts. Such attacks have occurred during previous transitions, and civil society has strongly condemned them.
The police have issued a stern warning to those engaging in violence, stating they will not tolerate any form of lawlessness. As of now, 106 people have been arrested, including nine detained on Tuesday for the burning of an electoral commission office in the Eastern Region.
The Ghanaian army has also warned the public against attempts to disarm soldiers, following incidents where groups targeted military personnel supporting the police in maintaining order. “The Ghana Armed Forces wishes to caution that military personnel on authorised duty have the right to defend themselves, innocent civilians, and property, including the use of lethal force, if necessary to preserve life,” stated Brig Gen E Aggrey-Quarshie.
Catholic bishops condemned the violence, calling it “unacceptable” and contrary to the nation’s core values of peace, unity, and respect for life. They urged political leaders to take responsibility for the actions of their followers. In a live broadcast on Tuesday night, Mahama condemned the vandalism and urged his supporters to remain calm, while calling for immediate action from the outgoing administration and security forces. “Because state power is still in the hands of the present administration, I call on the president and security agencies to act decisively to curb the ongoing acts of lawlessness immediately,” he said.
Mahama is scheduled to be sworn in on January 7, 2025.
