Ghana Police have arrested more than 100 individuals, most of them opposition supporters of President-elect John Mahama, in connection with acts of lawlessness following the country’s recent elections. The violence, which includes attacks on state institutions, looting, and disturbances, has resulted in injuries to both police and military personnel.
Supporters of Mahama, who won the presidency with 56.6% of the vote, are reportedly upset over a delay in announcing the full election results, particularly regarding some parliamentary contests. In response to the outcome, protesters have targeted various government buildings, including setting fire to two Electoral Commission offices.
In a statement condemning the violence, Mahama expressed concern over the actions of his supporters and called on outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo and the relevant security agencies to “act decisively” in curbing the unrest.
Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia, who was defeated by Mahama with 41.6% of the vote, also voiced his concern. He publicly urged Mahama to control his supporters and prevent further disorder in the wake of the elections.
The election results, which saw Mahama secure a victory with the largest margin in 24 years, also brought a sweeping success for his party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), in parliamentary elections. The NDC won 186 seats, while the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) secured 76 seats, with four seats won by independent candidates and 10 still pending.
In Ghana, it is common for supporters of the winning party to seize control of state institutions after an election, demanding that appointees of the outgoing government vacate their positions. This practice, rooted in the country’s winner-takes-all political system, has often led to violence and unrest. Civil society groups have repeatedly condemned such acts of aggression during transitions of power.
The police have issued a stern warning to individuals and groups involved in violent activities, emphasizing that any form of lawlessness will not be tolerated. As of now, 106 individuals have been arrested, including nine who were detained on Tuesday for their involvement in the arson attack on the Electoral Commission office in the Eastern Region.
The Ghana Armed Forces have also issued a statement cautioning the public against attempts to disarm military personnel. Following several incidents of groups targeting soldiers deployed to support police efforts to maintain order, the military reminded citizens that soldiers on authorized duty have the right to defend themselves, as well as innocent civilians and property, using lethal force if necessary.
“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 Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quarshie.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference in Ghana condemned the violence, calling it “unacceptable” and contrary to the core values of peace, unity, and respect for life that the nation holds dear. The bishops urged political leaders to take responsibility for the actions of their followers and called for immediate steps to restore order.
In a televised address on Tuesday night, President-elect Mahama also condemned the acts of vandalism. While urging his supporters to exercise restraint, he called on the outgoing administration and security agencies to take swift and decisive action to stop the ongoing violence.
“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,” Mahama said.
John Mahama is scheduled to be sworn in as president on January 7, 2025, amid ongoing calls for peace and the restoration of order across the country.
