John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has made a clarion call to Ghana’s moral leaders to denounce political violence as the nation approaches its December elections. During his recent three-day campaign tour in Wa, addressing members of the Upper West Regional House of Chiefs, Mahama articulated his deep concern over the increasing acts of violence tied to political affiliations. He attributes the rise in such incidents to a pervasive culture of impunity within the current political framework, suggesting that those who perpetrate violence often feel shielded from repercussions due to their connections within the political establishment. This atmosphere of unaccountability, he argues, not only allows violence to persist but could also escalate if left unchecked, endangering the safety and peace of all Ghanaians.
Emphasizing the need for accountability, Mahama warned of the potential consequences of failing to address this mounting issue. He pointed out that individuals engaged in politically motivated violence remain undeterred because they believe they can act with total impunity under the current government. Highlighting recent clashes between supporters of the NDC and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Mamobi, Accra, he cautioned that without prompt and decisive action from those in power, citizens should prepare for more such violent confrontations. Drawing parallels to past incidents, he stated that inaction by the government emboldens perpetrators, perpetuating a cycle of violence and vulnerability among the populace.
In his statements, Mahama conveyed a profound disillusionment with the government’s failure to remedy the situation, drawing on historical instances like the violence seen in the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election. He articulated a stark reality—that despite inquiries and recommendations for disciplinary actions against those involved in political violence, the government’s lack of enforcement allows offenders to act with abandon, knowing there will be no consequences. He described this as not just a disservice to the victims of political violence but as an overall threat to the democratic process and the foundations of peace within Ghana. His remarks urged stakeholders to take a stand, reasserting that the cycle of violence must be actively curtailed.
While reiterating that the NDC stands for peace, Mahama highlighted the growing sense of insecurity among party supporters who feel increasingly vulnerable to aggression. He articulated the unfortunate reality that if political violence remains unchecked, there may come a time when citizens, who have historically favored peaceful approaches, will be driven to take up arms in self-defense. Such a scenario, he warns, poses significant risks not only to the principles of democracy but also to the social fabric of the nation. The escalating tensions threaten not just the parties involved but the entire citizenry, calling into question the integrity and stability of forthcoming elections.
Mahama reassured the chiefs of his intentions to prioritize justice and accountability if elected back into office. He promised that a subsequent NDC administration would systematically revisit neglected high-profile criminal cases that emerged during the current Nana Addo-Bawumia-led government. This commitment seeks to restore faith in Ghana’s justice system and ensures a more equitable approach to political violence, underscoring a renewed focus on eliminating impunity. Drawing from his previous tenure, Mahama aims to foster a political environment where accountability reigns, and those who engage in violence are not left unchallenged.
As Ghana approaches a pivotal moment in its democratic journey, Mahama’s appeal reflects broader societal concerns about the trajectory of political violence. His call for moral leadership resonates powerfully in a landscape seemingly conducive to lawlessness if political operatives continue to evade consequences. The stakes are high, as the actions taken—or not taken—by leaders and institutions will significantly shape public perception of safety and governance in the upcoming elections. An urgent need exists for cohesive action to ensure elections are conducted in an environment of peace, where citizens can express their political preferences without fear of retribution.
