More than 100 persons have been arrested by Ghanaian police for acts of lawlessness, the majority of whom are opposition supporters of President-elect John Mahama.

According to reports, job-seeking supporters of the recently elected president have stormed governmental institutions, plundered assets, and caused disruptions that have harmed some military and police personnel.

Due to disagreements over certain parliamentary results and a delay in declaring the results of Saturday’s elections, the enraged supporters also set fire to two electoral commission offices.

Mahama has urged President Nana Akufo-Addo and security forces to “act decisively” in resolving the unrest and denounced the vandalism.

Vice-President Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) unsuccessful presidential contender, has openly urged the president-elect to control his followers.

In Ghana, it is typical for supporters of the victorious party to seize control of official institutions and demand that those appointed by the current government leave their positions prior to the inauguration of the winner.

It stems from the nation’s winner-take-all politics, which give the ruling party complete control over everything, including contracts and employment.

Similar attacks have occurred in past transitions, a phenomenon that civil society has condemned.

The police have issued a warning to all violent individuals and groups, stating that they will not put up with any kind of lawlessness.

Nine people were detained on Tuesday in connection with the burning of an election commission office in the Eastern Region, making 106 arrests to date.

Following instances of groups attacking individuals sent to assist the police in upholding law and order in the nation, the Ghanaian army has also issued a warning to the public against attempts to disarm soldiers.

“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,” according to a statement authored by Brig Gen E Aggrey-

The violence has been deemed “unacceptable and go against the core values of peace, unity, and respect for life that we, as a nation, hold dear” by Catholic bishops.

They have called on political figures to be accountable for the deeds of their supporters.
During Tuesday night’s live broadcast, Mahama called on the departing administration and security forces to act immediately, denounced the vandalism, and advised his supporters to use moderation.

“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,” he stated.
The inauguration of Mahama is scheduled for January 7, 2025.

-Deeprows News