The recent elections in Ghana have unfolded amid tumult and tension, culminating in the arrest of over 100 individuals primarily aligned with the newly elected President, John Mahama. This populace of more than 100 rebels consists largely of supporters of Mahama’s party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC). The disturbances, which arose after Mahama’s decisive victory over Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia, saw protests escalate to violence, leading to assaults on state institutions, looting, and even arson, particularly targeting the Electoral Commission’s offices.
According to police reports, disturbances were noted across various regions, including Greater Accra. Authorities cited incidents where supporters engaged aggressively, damaging property and voicing frustrations over delayed election results. The tension reached more than just verbal protests, with groups reportedly attacking government properties and inciting confrontations with police forces. Injuries were reported among both police and military forces as they intervened to restore order.
Ghana’s political history is marked with episodes of disorder following elections, and this situation is no exception. The recently concluded elections not only saw Mahama clinch the presidency with 56.6% of the votes against Bawumia’s 41.6%, creating the biggest margin of victory for Ghana’s presidency in 24 years, but it also deepened the existing divides fueled by Ghana’s ‘winner-takes-all’ political culture.
This atmosphere of unrest and agitation was articulated by Grace Ansah-Akrofi, Deputy Communications Director of the Ghana Police Service, who confirmed 107 arrests made by law enforcement to restore quiet following the chaotic aftermath. “Swift intervention by the police and military has brought the situation under control,” stated Ansah-Akrofi. The police have categorized their efforts as part of broader measures to promote public security and vigilance during this tumultuous period.
On December 9 and 10, additional arrests were made, including the detainment of individuals responsible for the vandalism at state-owned buildings such as the Metro Mass Transit Workshop and the Electoral Commission office at Ayensuano. The law enforcement’s stance was reiterated as necessary for maintaining order and tranquility amid uncertainties stemming from the election outcomes.
While Mahama’s administration has emphasized strategies for fostering bridges between parties, civil society organizations voiced serious concerns over the ramifications of the unrest. Notably, there were calls from various factions advocating for accountability for those initiating violence. The need for repercussions against perpetrators of electoral violence has never been clearer, urging the incoming administration to actualize reforms aimed at healing the wounds from this electoral transition.
Ghanaian bishops and civil rights groups have denounced the actions of protestors as “unacceptable” behaviors stemming from challenges inherent to Ghana’s political transition. They called upon party leaders to counsel their supporters toward maintaining peace and respect for the nation’s democratic processes. The episcopacy’s response reflects entrenched cultural and social expectations of civility, reinforcing the notion of non-violence during elections.
Compounding the unrest surrounding the elections, Mahama himself urged for calm and called upon outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo to address the violent spurs accordingly. “State power is still held by the present administration,” Mahama declared during live broadcasts, pressing for action to avert the increasing instability and lawlessness threatening to mar Ghana’s reputation of peace.
The backdrop of these violent outbursts starkly highlights the embedded challenges of Ghana’s political structure, where past events have shown factions from the victorious party often assuming hostile behaviors toward state institutions. The popular belief holds true—when party politics interlace with the power dynamics of state governance, it often leads to vulnerability and clashes, leaving the rule of law strained and questioned.
While hopes for economic reform now fuel the expectations from citizens toward Mahama’s incoming administration, the anticipated transfer of power also ushers uncertainties. The NDC, having emerged victorious not only at the presidential level but also securing 186 parliamentary seats compared to 76 for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), adds layers to the socio-political fabric of Ghana as new leaders take office. Yet, this also hints at the fragility of political peace and national unity moving forward.
International observers have noted the on-going political developments, particularly the arrests and measures taken to restore order, as pivotal moments bridging both local sentiments and international scrutiny of Ghana’s political integrity. These arrests and the resultant public dialogue echo calls for restoration and peace, echoing throughout various community forums and media platforms.
With Mahama scheduled to be sworn in on January 7, 2025, the need for systemic reforms to address electoral conflicts, civil engagement, and institutional accountability seems more pressing than ever. Specialist journalists and analysts alike are turning their eyes to how this transition will shape Ghana’s future, especially against the backdrop of recent violent episodes.
It remains unclear how the newly elected government will respond to both the pressure from the public to stabilize the nation and the expectations tied to election promises of job creation and economic reforms. Yet, what is evidently clear is the growing response from the Ghanaian populace to their elected officials should they continue to see any semblance of unrest abuse the tenets of democracy and public trust.
The question lingers—how will the government navigate the chaos following this exacerbated political transition to cultivate genuine national unity and professionalism across its institutions? Ghana is not just at the crossroads of political change; it is at the precipice of re-establishing its commitment to peace, law, and order. The international community awaits to witness how the country will tread these high-stakes waters, especially as they move forward amid public expectations and international scrutiny.
