Chiefs urged by Mahama to denounce political violence ahead of Election 2024.
John Dramani Mahama, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, has urged moral leaders in Ghana to denounce political violence as the country approaches the December elections.
During his three-day campaign tour in Wa, Mahama addressed the Upper West Regional House of Chiefs and expressed alarm at the increasing incidents of political violence.
He attributed this trend to a prevailing culture of impunity within the political sphere, where perpetrators of political violence feel shielded by those in authority rather than being held accountable.
Mahama cautioned that failure to take decisive action to address these violent behaviors could lead to further escalation, posing a threat to the safety and peace of the populace. He emphasized the need for decisive measures to hold offenders accountable and ensure they face legal consequences.
“The persistence of this issue is a result of the prevalence of impunity.” Individuals in possession of these weapons are aware that they can act with impunity, as they are affiliated with the political system and a specific establishment,” stated Mahama.
Pointing to the recent incident between NDC and NPP supporters in Mamobi, Accra, Mahama emphasized that Ghanaians should anticipate further incidents of this nature, as the government is unlikely to take any punitive measures against the individuals responsible.
“Expect no repercussions,” he cautioned. Similar to Ayawaso West Wuogon, if a commission is established and recommends action against individuals, the government may choose not to act. This lack of action could potentially encourage others to replicate such behavior.
The former president emphasized that while the NDC is a party that values peace, there may come a point where self-defense becomes necessary, especially in the context of elections. He also pledged that a future NDC government would reconsider all major criminal cases that took place during the tenure of the Nana Addo-Bawumia administration.
