Mr Andrews Augustus Nana Kwasi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has cautioned supporters of the party across the country to jubilate responsibly.
The supporters have also been cautioned against looting and destruction of state properties.
According to him, the youth of the party have every right to jubilate because of the massive and overwhelming victory, but should tread cautiously in order not to put themselves in the grip of the law.
Speaking to the media after Ms. Jean Mensah, chairperson of EC, officially declared former President John Mahama as winner of the presidential election, Nana Kwasi warned that anyone who breaches the laws of the land would face the full rigours of the law.
He noted that no one should take advantage of the jubilation to destroy state properties to save themselves from prosecution.
The Regional chairman also warned that any unscrupulous individuals who may attempt to loot state property in the name of celebration should revise their notes or would find themselves at the wrong side of the law.
Meanwhile Bernice Bessey reports from the police headquarters that the General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fiifi FiaviKwetey, has urged party supporters to celebrate the party’s electoral victory in moderation, emphasising the need to maintain peace and respect the rule of law.
Speaking to the media yesterday after a meeting with the National Election Security Task Force and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Kwetey acknowledged reports of unrest and security concerns linked to the conduct of some NDC supporters.
“Even though we have achieved what can only be described as an unprecedented victory, we must recognise that this is not just a win for the NDC but for the people of Ghana,” Mr. Kwetey stated.
He called on party members to avoid provocation and any form of disorder, reiterating the importance of ensuring that all celebratory activities are conducted within the confines of the law.
The meeting, attended by top NDC executives, discussed incidents of vandalism, destruction of property and unauthorised gatherings by supporters, which have raised concerns about national peace and security.
Mr. Kwetey assured the police of the NDC’s cooperation and pledged to use party structures to educate supporters on the importance of restraint.
He also called on party members to “await proper instructions from the highest level” and respect due processes for addressing grievances.
“This victory is not an excuse to take the law into our own hands,” he said.
“We must demonstrate that the NDC’s triumph is for all Ghanaians and work toward building a nation that is truly great and strong.”
ACP Grace Akrofi, Director-General of the Public Affairs Directorate of the Ghana Police Service, confirmed that the police had raised these issues during their engagement with the NDC leadership.
She said the security services had emphasiSed the potential repercussions of such actions on Ghana’s stability.
“The security services will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute those involved in activities threatening the peace and security of the country,” ACP Akrofi warned.
To address the situation, the police have implemented several measures, including increased visibility through joint patrols, intelligence operations to identify perpetrators, deployment of security personnel at state facilities, and a special investigation team to review evidence and ensure accountability.
The police have encouraged the public to go about their daily activities without fear, reiterating their commitment to safeguarding law and order during this critical post-election period.
In a related development, the Ashanti Regional Council of Elders has congratulated the President-elect, John Dramani Mahama on his victory in the 2024 general elections.
According to them, the election results have shown clearly that the people of Ghana still have faith in the former President and believe that he and his running mate, Prof Naana Opoku Agyeman, are the people to be trusted for Ghana’s forward march to greater prosperity.
The Council congratulated him for a well-deserved victory and wished him strength, wisdom and God’s guidance, as he embarks on a noble journey.
Mr. Frank Osei Mensah, Chairman of the Ashanti Regional Council of Elders, on behalf of the members, in a press statement called on all Ghanaians, irrespective of their political affiliations, to rally behind President-elect John Dramani Mahama.
The Council believes that it is their collective responsibility to help John Mahama fulfill his resetting Ghana agenda and enable all Ghanaians to feel the impact of good governance.