Dr. John Kpikpi, leader of the Progressive Alliance for Ghana, has condemned the violence following the 2024 elections, urging political leaders to promote unity and restraint. The unrest involved clashes between supporters of the NDC and NPP, leading to vandalism and injuries. Kpikpi called for peaceful resolution of disputes to protect Ghana’s democratic reputation and urged law enforcement to act decisively amid the chaos.
Dr. John Kpikpi, leader of the Progressive Alliance for Ghana, has voiced his condemnation of the recent violence that erupted in various regions of Ghana following the 2024 general elections. In a statement released on December 16, 2024, he called for tranquility and implored political leaders to exercise restraint over their supporters, emphasizing that the ongoing unrest poses a significant threat to Ghana’s esteemed reputation as a model of democracy within Africa.
The violence has reportedly involved clashes between supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), culminating in vandalism of government properties and confrontations with law enforcement personnel amidst disputes regarding parliamentary results. Notable incidents have included the arson of Electoral Commission offices in the Eastern Region, injuries sustained by security forces attempting to re-establish order, and significant interruptions in electoral processes in pivotal areas such as Dome-Kwabenya and Tema Central. Moreover, there have been accounts of NDC supporters being assaulted by individuals alleged to be affiliated with the NPP.
Dr. Kpikpi expressed his distress over these occurrences, categorizing them as “deeply regrettable” and “unacceptable.” He urged prominent political figures, including President-elect John Mahama and the leaders of both the NDC and NPP, to exhibit statesmanship by prioritizing the cohesion of the nation over narrow party interests.
He stated, “While political grievances may arise, they must be addressed through legal and peaceful means rather than violence. Ghana’s democracy has long been a beacon of hope across Africa, and these actions threaten to tarnish our global reputation.” In addition, Dr. Kpikpi called upon both the Ghana Police Service and military to respond with urgency and determination to protect lives, property, and the integrity of democratic proceedings. He further encouraged civil society organizations and faith leaders to persist in their advocacy for harmony and accountability across the political spectrum.
Following the conclusion of the 2024 general elections in Ghana, turmoil ensued, leading to instances of violence primarily involving supporters of the two dominant political parties, the NDC and NPP. This unrest has been marked by vandalism, confrontations with law enforcement, and attacks on individuals aligned with opposing parties. These events sparked serious concerns regarding the state of democracy in Ghana, a nation traditionally viewed as a stabilizing force in the region. Dr. John Kpikpi’s call for restraint and unity underscores the importance of addressing political grievances peacefully to preserve Ghana’s democratic image.
In conclusion, Dr. John Kpikpi’s condemnation of post-election violence highlights the urgent need for political leaders and citizens alike to prioritize national unity and peaceful resolution of conflicts. His insistence on upholding Ghana’s democratic values in the face of unrest reflects a broader commitment to maintaining the country’s historical status as a model of democracy in Africa. Moving forward, it is essential for all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue and to ensure that democracy continues to flourish in Ghana.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
