President John Mahama has advised supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to differentiate themselves from their opponents, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), by refraining from attacking and vandalizing public installations.
Speaking at a Presidential Dinner on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, President Mahama recounted instances when NPP supporters allegedly attacked public installations after their victory in the 2016 elections.
He warned NDC supporters against adopting similar behaviors.
“Ghanaians punished the NPP for arrogance, incompetence, and for not listening to their cries and challenges. As I said during the campaign, there’s no point in fighting for political power if you’re coming to repeat the same mistakes the NPP made. That’s why I’m concerned about some of the things happening now. I know that in 2017, after we lost the election and handed over, the NPP started attacking government offices, taking over toll booths, taking over public toilets, and attacking government officers. They threw people out, stopped people on the street, and took cars from them.”
He emphasized that the NDC must avoid such actions and demonstrate their commitment to ensuring the smooth running of governance.
“We must not do the same thing. Let us show Ghana that we are different,” he said.
He also expressed appreciation for the sacrifices made by party supporters, especially the youth, whose efforts helped secure the party’s victory in the December 7 elections. He noted the importance of channeling their energies productively.
“I know that many of our youth sacrificed a lot to help the party win, but I also know that our regional and constituency executives know who contributed to our victory. What they must do now is compile a list of these individuals and explore ways to engage their youthful energies once things settle. Rather than taking the law into their own hands, opening fertilizer depots, or taking rice from warehouses, we should focus on more constructive activities,” he said.
Finally, he called on party executives to call supporters to order.
“I expect regional chairmen and constituency chairmen to call our young people to order so that we can operate in an organized manner. If this continues, we cannot allow law and order to break down. We may have to call in the security services to protect sensitive installations, and we wouldn’t want that,” he concluded.
