- Mahama urges chiefs to condemn political violence.
- He blames violence on culture of impunity.
- Mahama warns of escalating violence.
- NDC to revisit unresolved high-profile cases if elected.
John Dramani Mahama, flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has made a pressing call to Ghana’s moral leaders to denounce political violence as the country approaches the December elections. During his three-day campaign tour in Wa, Mahama expressed deep concern over the escalating incidents of political violence, attributing them to a culture of impunity within the political establishment.
Mahama emphasized that perpetrators of political violence continue their actions because they feel shielded by those in power, rather than being held accountable for their crimes. He warned that unless drastic measures are taken to curb these violent acts, the situation could spiral out of control, jeopardizing the safety and peace of citizens.
The former president pointed to the recent clash between NDC and NPP supporters at Mamobi in Accra, cautioning that Ghanaians should prepare for more such attacks due to the government’s inaction against perpetrators. He criticized the government’s lack of accountability, citing the Ayawaso West Wuogon incident, where despite a commission’s recommendations, the government failed to take action.
Mahama assured that the NDC is a peace-loving party, but it cannot continue to be a victim of violence, especially during elections. He emphasized that self-defense may become necessary if the situation persists, warning that others may also arm themselves, leading to unpleasant consequences.
To address this, Mahama urged the chiefs to speak out against political violence, emphasizing the need for decisive action to bring offenders to justice. He also promised that the next NDC government would revisit high-profile criminal cases that occurred during the Nana Addo-Bawumia-led government.
Mahama’s call to action echoes his previous appeals for peaceful elections, as reported during his visit to the Chief Imam Sheikh Nuhu Sharabutu. His campaign has also warned against raising the political temperature, emphasizing the need for peaceful campaigning.
The NDC flagbearer’s concerns are shared by other leaders, such as Buipewura Jinapor II, who has also called for peace ahead of the 2024 elections. As Ghana prepares for the December polls, Mahama’s urgent call to moral leaders to denounce political violence underscores the need for collective action to ensure a peaceful and fair electoral process.
