NPP urges Mahama to call NDC supporters to order amid collation centre tensions

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has called on former President John Dramani Mahama to take immediate action and urge his supporters to desist from acts of violence at collation centres. 

This appeal follows increasing tensions and violent incidents involving supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and NPP at various collation centres across the country during the ongoing electoral process.

At a press conference held in Accra on Sunday, NPP General Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua condemned the actions of NDC supporters, referring to them as "thugs" causing unrest at key constituencies including Damongo, Ablekuma North, Techiman South, Aowin, Obuasi East, and Tema Central. 

"The NPP has with great concern taken notice of the violent conduct of the NDC thugs at some of the constituencies' collation centres," Kodua stated. He further accused the NDC of refusing to accept the electoral results, despite clear evidence of the NPP’s victories in these constituencies. "The data that made our flagbearer concede this morning shows clearly that the NPP has won the constituencies I have mentioned. But the NDC, knowing very well that they lost these seats to the NPP, are unwilling to accept their fate and are desperately seeking to compel the Electoral Commission to do their bidding."

Kodua demanded that the NDC leadership, particularly Mahama, take responsibility and ensure that their supporters cease the violence. "I call on the leadership of the NDC to call its supporters to order and condemn these unnecessary acts of violence," he urged.

The NPP also called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Dampare, to act swiftly to restore law and order at the collation centres. "We must ensure that the rights and safety of all our citizens are protected. We must not allow illegal looting and intimidation of our citizens," Kodua added, emphasizing the need for security forces to deploy adequate personnel to maintain peace and order.

In his address, Kodua highlighted the importance of allowing the Electoral Commission to carry out its duties without interference, urging Mahama and the NDC to respect the sanctity of the electoral process. “Violence should not have a place in our electoral process as a country. We have come far from 1992 when we decided to embrace multi-party democracy. Please don’t let the actions of some in your party tarnish the beauty of the 2024 elections,” he said.

The NPP also provided details of their victories in several constituencies, such as Techiman South, Tema Central, and Obuasi East, to back their claims of electoral success in the affected areas.

As tensions continue to rise, the NPP’s call for calm underscores the importance of upholding the rule of law and protecting the integrity of the electoral process in Ghana.