The Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has strongly condemned the acts of hooliganism, vandalism and assaults on state officials and properties that have been reported nationwide, following the December 7, 2024 general elections.
These incidents, which have escalated since the transition of power from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on January 7, 2025 include storming and raiding public offices, illegal occupations and threats against public officials.CDD-Ghana notes with concern that such post-election violence by supporters of victorious parties has become a recurring issue during power transitions in Ghana’s Fourth Republic.
The organisation warns that if these acts are left unchecked, they could become entrenched in the country’s political culture, undermining efforts to curb winner-takes-all politics and posing a serious threat to national peace and stability.
The Center has called on law enforcement agencies to take decisive action by enforcing Ghana’s laws against these acts of violence.
It also urged the newly inaugurated administration of President John Dramani Mahama to fulfill its commitment to resetting governance and politics by taking a firm stance against such disruptive behaviours.
CDD-Ghana emphasised that the government must not interfere with the work of the Ghana Police Service and other law enforcement agencies, as they deal with individuals involved in these acts of violence.
The Center further suggested that post-election partisan violence should attract enhanced criminal penalties, similar to those outlined in the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act (2019), which successfully curbed political vigilantism in recent years.
Additionally, it proposed that future political transition teams prioritize addressing and mitigating post-election violence as part of the transition process.
Despite these challenges, CDD-Ghana acknowledged Ghana’s progress in strengthening its democracy, as evidenced by the orderly conduct of the December 7 elections.
The organisation, however, stressed the need for continuous efforts to ensure that elections and their aftermath are free of violence and damage to life, property and public trust.
CDD-Ghana urged all stakeholders to work together to preserve and enhance the stability of Ghana’s democratic journey.
