Over 100 Supporters of Ghana’s President-elect Detained Amidst Post-Election Unrest

Ghanaian police have apprehended over 100 individuals, predominantly opposition backers of President-elect John Mahama, in connection with unlawful activities. Allegations state that partisans of the recently elected president, seeking employment, have assaulted various state facilities, plundered assets, and participated in unrest that resulted in injuries to some police and military personnel. Furthermore, these agitated supporters set fire to two offices of the electoral commission, citing delays in the declaration of Saturday’s election results and disputes concerning certain parliamentary outcomes. Mahama has denounced the acts of vandalism and urged President Nana Akufo-Addo and security forces to “act decisively” in confronting the unrest. Vice-President Bawumia, who was the unsuccessful presidential contender for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), has publicly requested that the president-elect control his adherents. Mahama secured victory with 56.6% of the ballots, compared to Bawumia’s 41.6%, marking the largest winning margin in the nation in 24 years. Additionally, Mahama’s National Democratic Congress (NDC) attained a substantial parliamentary majority, holding 186 seats against 76 for the NPP and four for independent candidates, with 10 seats yet to be announced. In Ghana, it is a frequent occurrence for the victorious party’s supporters to seize control of state institutions, insisting that officials appointed by the outgoing government relinquish their positions prior to the president-elect’s inauguration. This practice stems from the nation’s winner-take-all political system, where the ruling party gains command over all aspects, including employment and agreements. Comparable assaults have occurred during past transitions, a trend that civil society organizations have criticized. Law enforcement officials have issued a caution to all persons and factions involved in violence, stating that no form of illegality will be endured. To date, 106 individuals have been taken into custody, among them nine apprehended on Tuesday in connection with the arson of an electoral commission office in the Eastern Region. The Ghanaian military has also advised the populace against endeavors to disarm soldiers, after reports of groups targeting personnel dispatched to assist the police in preserving national order. A statement endorsed by Brig Gen E Aggrey-Quarshie declared: “The Ghana Armed Forces wishes to caution that military personnel on authorised duty have the right to defend themselves, innocent civilians, and property, including the use of lethal force, if necessary to preserve life.” Catholic bishops have denounced the violence, labeling it “unacceptable and go against the core values of peace, unity, and respect for life that we, as a nation, hold dear”. They have implored political figures to assume accountability for the conduct of their adherents. During a live broadcast on Tuesday evening, Mahama condemned the destructive acts and appealed to his supporters to show self-control, concurrently urging the departing government and security bodies to act promptly. He stated: “Because state power is still in the hands of the present administration, I call on the president and security agencies to act decisively to curb the ongoing acts of lawlessness immediately.” Mahama’s inauguration is scheduled for 7 January 2025.