The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Minority in Parliament has called on President John Dramani Mahama to take immediate action to control alleged lawlessness and violence by elements within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) following his inauguration.
The Minority warned that if the President, who is the Commander-in-Chief, fails to protect ordinary citizens, they will protest through lawful means and withdraw their cooperation in Parliament.
At a press conference on Monday, January 20, 2025, the Caucus expressed concern over what it describes as widespread lawlessness and violence in the aftermath of President Mahama’s declaration as President.
Party thugs
Jerry Ahmed Shuaib, Member of Parliament (MP) for Weija-Gbawe and Second Minority Deputy Whip, condemned the alleged attacks. He claimed that these acts of violence are being inspired by senior NDC members, including Mr. Kofi Totobi Quakyi, Lt. Col. Rtd Gbevlo Lartey, and Malik Basintali, NDC Deputy Communication Officer.
“These individuals have emboldened party supporters to obstruct the EC’s constitutional duties, including collating and declaring election results,” Shuaib stated.
He further alleged that NDC thugs, led by its regional organizer and inspired by party elders, have unleashed violence on EC officials and properties during collation of the Ablekuma North constituency.
He said, “The NDC, knowing it has lost the Ablekuma North parliamentary election, has resorted to violence to prevent the EC from declaring the NPP’s candidate, Nana Akua Owusu Afriyieh, as the winner.”
The Minority also noted that despite losing nearly 60 parliamentary seats in the elections by narrow margins, the NPP conceded peacefully in the spirit of democracy. Hon. Jerry Ahmed cited examples such as Dome Kwabenya and Aowin constituencies, where the NPP lost by narrow margins but respected the outcomes.
He appealed to President Mahama to take immediate steps to call his party thugs to order and cannot pretend to be unaware of this lawlessness and violence.
