The Minority Caucus in Parliament yesterday appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to rein in supporters believed to be sympathetic to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) from vandalising state institutions under the guise of taking power.
It said the alleged misconduct was dangerous to Ghana’s democracy.
Addressing journalists in Accra, the Deputy Minority Leader, Mrs Patricia Appiagyei, said “leadership is about action, not silence.”
She noted that Ghana is bigger than any political party or individual and that institutions must remain impartial, professional, and focused on serving all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations.
Mrs Appiagyei, who is the Member of Parliament (MP) for Asokwa Constituency, in the Ashanti Region, called on the security to deal appropriately with persons who flouted the law.
“To our security agencies, we say this: your loyalty is to the Constitution and the people of Ghana, not to any political party or government. You have a duty to enforce the law impartially and without fear. Arrest and prosecute those who perpetuate violence and disruption, no matter their political affiliations. Ghanaians are looking up to you to uphold the rule of law and restore order in our nation,” she said.
The lawmaker said she was concerned about what was being done at Tema Port, the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) by alleged NDC supporters.
She said: “Across the country, we are seeing thugs forcibly entering Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies, shutting down offices, and intimidating public servants. Civil servants have been forced out of their workplaces, with their safety and well-being put at risk. These individuals parade their lawlessness under the banner of “We have taken over power,” accompanied by revolutionary songs and chants. Let us be clear: Ghana is not a revolutionary state.”
She said Ghana is a constitutional democracy, and the acts of the alleged NDC supporters were nothing short of an affront to the rule of law and the sovereignty of the Ghanaian people.
“What is even more concerning is the lack of evidence to support the claims made by these individuals. While they justify their criminal actions as protecting public property from alleged mismanagement or theft by officials of the previous administration, no formal complaints have been lodged, no evidence has been presented, and no investigations have been initiated to the best of our knowledge.”
If those concerns remained unresolved, the MP added, it would set a bad precedent for Ghana’s democracy.
Mrs Appiagyei said the New Patriotic (NPP) Presidential candidate for the 2024 general election conceded defeat to President Mahama 14 hours after the close of polls to diffuse the seeming tension.
She said President Mahama’s inaction could erode the confidence Ghanaians had reposed in him as the President.
“It is about protecting the rights of all citizens, ensuring the safety of public servants, and preserving the sanctity of our institutions. Your inaction risks eroding the trust that Ghanaians have placed in your leadership. You must rise to the occasion and fulfil the mandate and oath of your office. Issue a firm directive to law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute these acts of lawlessness. Send a clear message to your supporters that Ghana will not tolerate anarchy disguised as protection of public assets,” she said.
BY MALIK SULLEMANA
