These acts must cease immediately – Mahama on attacks on security, state institutions

President-elect, John Dramani Mahama, has called for immediate end to attacks on state institutions and security agencies by a section of the youth.

In a statement issued late Tuesday, December 10, 2024, Mr John Mahama condemned the attacks “in no uncertain terms.”

The attacks have been reported nationwide following the declaration of then opposition leader by the Electoral Commission as having won the December 7, presidential election.

Some angry youth purported to be members of Mr Mahama’s National Democratic Congress (NDC) could be seen in video footages attacking state institutions as well as personnel from some state security agencies particularly the police and military.

Both agencies issued strongly-worded statements cautioning the public against such acts.

Mr Mahama in his statement acknowledged that “Transitions from one administration to another create the impression of a vacuum of power” thereby offering an opportunity for some criminal elements “to act in their own parochial interest instead of the national interest.”

“…While it is unclear who is behind these attacks, I condemn them in no uncertain terms. These acts must cease immediately,” the President-elect stated.

Read the full statement below:

My brothers and sisters,

I come before you tonight as your President-elect to again express my deepest gratitude for your unwavering support in Saturday’s election.

This is a moment of hope, unity, and opportunity for our great nation. However, I must address a matter of urgent importance.

Transitions from one administration to another create the impression of a vacuum of power. Certain people are easily compelled to act in their own parochial interest instead of the national interest.

I have received reports of attacks on state offices and installations. While it is unclear who is behind these attacks, I condemn them in no uncertain terms. These acts must cease immediately.

As I said during my post-declaration speech, I urge the youth not to vent their frustration in criminal enterprises. Instead, they must channel their anger and frustration into the positive enterprise of resetting and rebuilding our beloved nation.

I urge all citizens to remain calm and avoid actions that could harm our institutions and democracy. We have fought hard for change, and now is the time to demonstrate our commitment to building the Ghana we want through unity and understanding.

Because state power is still in the hands of the present administration, I call on the president and the security agencies to act decisively to curb the ongoing acts of lawlessness.

Thank you, and may God bless Ghana.

HE John Dramani Mahama
_President-elect, Republic of Ghana._
10/12/2024.