Call Your Supporters to Order – Bawumia urges Mahama

By: Baffour Boamah Darko

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential candidate, has appealed to President-elect John Dramani Mahama to intervene and stop the violence and lawlessness perpetrated by some National Democratic Congress (NDC) supporters. This comes after reports of NDC members using offensive weapons to forcibly declare parliamentary candidates as winners at collation centers, vandalizing state properties and looting food and items from public and private warehouses.

In a statement, Bawumia expressed concern over the escalating violence, which has targeted innocent Ghanaians, state institutions, and public offices, resulting in looting, property damage, and death threats. He emphasized that these actions undermine Ghana’s democratic culture and urged Mahama to demonstrate statesmanship by reining in his supporters.

Bawumia reminded Mahama that, having won the election, he has a responsibility to protect life and property. He cautioned that continued violence could compel citizens to take defensive measures, ultimately marring the successful elections. Bawumia also acknowledged his own defeat, stating that the NPP respects the decision of the Ghanaian people and prioritizes national unity ¹.

Key concerns raised by Bawumia include:

• Violence at Collation Centers: NDC members using weapons to declare parliamentary candidates as winners.
• Targeting Innocent Citizens: Attacks on Ghanaians perceived to be NPP sympathizers.
• State Institution Vandalism: Looting and property damage at public offices.
• Private Property Attacks: Barbaric acts extended to private homes and properties.

Bawumia’s call for calm underscores the need for peaceful transition and responsible leadership.

See full statement below

H.E John Dramani Mahama Please Call Your Supporters To Order To Preserve The Peace And Unity of The Country.

I have noted with deep concern the embarrassing state of lawlessness and thuggery being unleashed on innocent Ghanaians and state institutions by members of the National Democratic Congress.

I wish to call on the President-elect, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, to exhibit statesmanship by reining in his supporters in order to preserve the peace and unity of the country. There have been many incidents of NDC members besieging collation centres with offensive weapons to forcibly declare NDC parliamentary candidates as winners of some parliamentary contests. We believe that this is not in keeping with the democratic culture we are all trying to nurture.

I am also saddened by the indifference and silence on the part of Mr. John Dramani Mahama and the NDC in relation to the violence and mayhem being unleashed on members of the NPP and other people perceived to be sympathisers. These wanton acts of lawlessness and brutality have been extended to state institutions and public offices, looting and stealing state properties in the process.

As a result of this, some public offices were forced to close for business. In a bizzare twist, these barbaric acts are being extended to private homes and properties of individuals, with some receiving death threats.

It is regrettable that these reprehensible acts are being perpetrated following an electoral process that has been widely touted as credible.We must at all times place the national interest over and above any individual interest.

I would like to remind President Mahama that he has won an election; he has not staged a coup detat. He has a responsibility to contribute to protect life and property.

I believe President Mahama and the NDC know that if these acts continue, people will be compelled to take reasonable steps to defend themselves. The last thing anybody wants is to mar the beauty of the successful elections that have just been concluded. Mr. Mahama and the NDC should demonstrate that they are not reluctant democrats.

Thank you.