Dr. John Kpikpi Condemns Post-Election Violence and Calls for National Unity

Dr. John Kpikpi has condemned the violent unrest following the 2024 general elections in Ghana. He called for political leaders to take decisive actions to quell the chaos, urging unity and peaceful resolution of grievances. His statement addresses the serious threats posed to Ghana’s democratic reputation, citing specific incidents of violence and urging law enforcement to restore order while advocating for a calm political environment.

Dr. John Kpikpi, the leader of the Progressive Alliance for Ghana, has issued a strong condemnation of the violence that has erupted in various regions of the country following the conclusion of the 2024 general elections. In a statement released on December 16, 2024, Dr. Kpikpi called upon all political leaders to maintain calm and urged them to take robust measures to control their supporters, emphasizing that the current post-election turmoil poses a significant threat to Ghana’s standing as a model democracy within Africa.

The unrest has reportedly involved clashes between alleged supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), leading to vandalism of state properties and confrontations between protestors and security personnel regarding parliamentary outcome disputes. Disturbing incidents include the burning of Electoral Commission offices in the Eastern Region, injuries sustained by enforcement officers striving to restore order, and interruptions in the vote collation in critical constituencies such as Dome-Kwabenya and Tema Central. Furthermore, there have been accounts of violence inflicted on NDC supporters by purported NPP affiliates.

Dr. Kpikpi expressed his disappointment over these occurrences, labeling them as ultra regrettable and unacceptable. He called upon political leaders, including President-elect John Mahama, to display their leadership by prioritizing national unity above partisan politics. Dr. Kpikpi asserted, “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.”

Moreover, Dr. Kpikpi urged the Ghana Police Service and the military to act swiftly to protect lives, property, and democratic processes. He further appealed to civil society organizations and religious leaders to persist in advocating for tranquility and accountability across the political spectrum.

In the wake of the 2024 general elections in Ghana, the country has witnessed significant post-election violence involving supporters from the National Democratic Congress and the New Patriotic Party. The violent clashes have been characterized by vandalism, including attacks on state properties and confrontations with law enforcement. This turmoil jeopardizes Ghana’s historical reputation as a stable democracy in Africa, prompting calls from various leaders, including Dr. Kpikpi, for unity and a cessation of violence.

In conclusion, Dr. John Kpikpi’s condemnation of the post-election violence highlights the urgent need for political leaders to prioritize unity and non-violence in their responses to political grievances. His call for accountability, peaceful discourse, and proactive measures from law enforcement underscores a collective responsibility to uphold Ghana’s democratic principles during tumultuous times. The unfolding events threaten to tarnish Ghana’s democratic image, reinforcing the need for a united front against political violence.

Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com