Outgoing Majority Caucus in Parliament, representing the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has expressed concerns over post-election violence in parts of the country, blaming the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for orchestrating the incidents.
In a press statement addressed to the Parliamentary Press Corps (PPC) on Saturday, January 4, 2025, the NPP Caucus alleged that key members of the NDC leadership, including Mr. Kofi Totobi Quakyi and Col. (Rtd) Larry Gbevlo-Lartey, were masterminding acts of thuggery and chaos.
“We have received reliable intelligence indicating that these acts of violence and thuggery are being orchestrated by certain key elements of the NDC leadership, with Mr. Kofi Totobi Quakyi and Col. (Rtd) Larry Gbevlo-Lartey playing leading roles. These NDC thugs are being inspired to perpetrate violence on innocent Ghanaians,” the statement claimed.
The group further alleged that the violence could escalate after the swearing-in of President-elect John Dramani Mahama, urging the NDC to prioritize governance and the fulfillment of campaign promises rather than fostering unrest.
The press statement, read by the Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Patricia Appiagyei, cited specific areas, including Damongo, Tepo, Nyankpala, Techiman South, and Ayensuano, as hotspots for post-election violence. The NPP Caucus condemned these incidents outright and called on citizens to report suspicious activities to the police for swift action.
“We want to remind Ghanaians that we have only one Ghana. Violence and thuggery should have no place in our political discourse. Should chaos erupt, there will be no safe haven for anyone,” the Caucus stated.
They further urged the Ghana Police Service to act decisively in curbing the violence, maintaining law and order, and protecting the peace and stability the NPP government claims to have left behind.
The NPP also appealed to the incoming NDC administration to ensure a peaceful transition by refraining from targeting NPP appointees and ordinary citizens. Instead, they encouraged the NDC to focus on governance and the delivery of its promises to the Ghanaian people.
As tensions remain high following the December 7, 2024, polls, the NPP Caucus reiterated their commitment to peace and unity, emphasizing the need for all political parties to prioritize the welfare of Ghanaians.
By S.O. Ankamah