Dr. John Kpikpi, leader of the Progressive Alliance for Ghana, condemned the violence following the 2024 elections, emphasizing the need for unity and restraint among political leaders. He warned that disturbances threaten Ghana’s reputation as a democratic beacon in Africa. Incidents of unrest have involved clashes between supporters of various political parties and resulted in vandalism and injuries. Dr. Kpikpi urged peaceful resolutions to political grievances and called on authorities to safeguard public order.
Dr. John Kpikpi, the leader of the Progressive Alliance for Ghana (PAG), has publicly condemned the recent outbreak of violence across Ghana following the 2024 general elections. In a statement issued on December 16, 2024, Dr. Kpikpi urged political leaders to promote calm and encourage their supporters to act peacefully. He highlighted that the escalating unrest threatens Ghana’s long-standing reputation as a beacon of democracy in Africa.
The turmoil has reportedly involved alleged supporters of both the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), resulting in property damage and confrontations with law enforcement concerning parliamentary election results. Significant incidents include the burning of Electoral Commission offices in the Eastern Region, injuries sustained by security personnel enforcing order, and alterations to result collation in crucial areas such as Dome-Kwabenya and Tema Central. Furthermore, violent confrontations are reported between supporters of the NPP against NDC members.
Dr. Kpikpi expressed his disappointment regarding these events, deeming them “deeply regrettable” and “unacceptable.” He implored leaders from both the NDC and NPP, including President-elect John Mahama, to exhibit statesmanship and prioritize national unity over political partisanship.
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 for the Ghana Police Service and the military to act promptly and effectively to ensure the safety of citizens and maintain democratic integrity. He also encouraged civil society organizations and religious leaders to persist in advocating for peace and accountability in the political arena.
In the aftermath of the 2024 general elections in Ghana, tensions have risen significantly, leading to various violent incidents primarily involving supporters of rival political parties. Such upheavals jeopardize the traditionally stable democratic framework of Ghana, which has been regarded as a model for democracy across the African continent. Dr. John Kpikpi’s statements aim to address these challenges by calling for unity and restraint among political leaders and their supporters, emphasizing the critical need for a peaceful resolution to emerging grievances.
Dr. John Kpikpi’s condemnation of post-election violence in Ghana serves as a pivotal call for unity and restraint among politicians and their supporters. By advocating for peaceful resolutions to grievances and urging prompt action from security services, he highlights the necessity of preserving Ghana’s esteemed democratic reputation in Africa. The ongoing unrest poses a significant threat to this legacy, and collective action towards peace is paramount.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com