Aftermath of 2024 polls: TUC, GBA condemn actions of rampaging youths

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) and the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) have called on rampaging individuals and groups to refrain from attacking state institutions, public and private property in the supreme interest of peace. 

In separate statements, both organisations condemned the attacks and lootings and called on law enforcement agencies to act decisively.

The TUC said after an otherwise peaceful election, “We cannot mar the beauty of what we did on December 7, 2024.”

In a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Joshua Ansah, the TUC also called on the security agencies, particularly, the Ghana Police Service, to ensure the maintenance of law and order.

Equally, the GBA made “a passionate appeal for an immediate end to all forms of lawlessness, including allegations of the destruction of properties and attempts at taking over offices”.

It urged all Ghanaians to maintain and guard jealously the unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence that had been the hallmark of the people of Ghana, “even as we express our differing views and opinions”.

The association of legal practitioners called on security and law enforcement agencies to handle with dispatch all cases of infringement brought to their attention. 

TUC

The TUC referred to its statement of December 2, this year with the title "Election 2024: Let's work together to maintain Ghana's peace” and said it was happy that the elections came off peacefully without many incidents.

The TUC congratulated all the stakeholders, who it said had played their roles well and Ghana had once again emerged, as the winner.

“We congratulate the Electoral Commission, the political parties and the securities agencies for a job well done. We further congratulate Ghanaians for their exemplary comportment.

We have once again, proven to the world that democracy can thrive in Africa and that despite economic and social challenges, we cherish our peace”.

The labour union also commended President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the Vice-President and flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, for the show of statesmanship in conceding defeat long before the final declaration by the Electoral Commission.

“The TUC extends its biggest congratulations to His Excellency, John Dramani Mahama, the President-elect for his re­ election. This is an emphatic win and historic political comeback.”

“The TUC and its member unions are ready to work with you and your government,” the TUC stated.

Bar Association

In its statement jointly signed by the National President, Efua Ghartey (Mrs), and the National Secretary, Kwaku Gyau Baffour, the GBA congratulated the people of Ghana on the successful and generally peaceful conduct of the elections, saying “the events during and after the voting processes are a testament to the maturity and resilience of our growing and highly guarded democracy.”

The GBA also commended the EC, the diplomatic community, security agencies, polling station agents and all stakeholders, including election observers, both domestic and international, who worked tirelessly to ensure the integrity and transparency of the electoral process.

“The GBA applauds all citizens who dutifully exercised their franchise. The GBA applauds and appreciates your exceptional enthusiasm and commitment to shaping the future of our beloved country,” it stated.

The bar association equally congratulated the Vice-President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who proffered a timeous concession, as well as the President-elect on his victory.

The GBA, however, unreservedly condemned reports of pockets of violent attacks, including gunshots, which resulted in the unwarranted deaths of some persons and extends its condolences to the bereaved families.