Reports of violence and unrest have surfaced across the country following the declaration of John Dramani Mahama as the President-elect.
Alleged supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have been implicated in incidents of burning and looting, sparking concerns about public safety and the need for urgent measures to restore order.
The unrest has impacted both private and public properties, with local businesses, homes, and vehicles suffering significant damage.
GNGCL
A tense standoff occurred at the Ghana National Gas Company Limited (GNGCL) headquarters in Accra yesterday.
Alleged NDC supporters gathered at the premises, prompting a heavy security response involving both soldiers and police.
Eyewitnesses reported that the crowd attempted to storm the premises, leading to a confrontation with security personnel. Warning shots were fired to disperse the group and restore calm. Authorities are yet to release an official statement on the incident.
Attempted Takeover At GPHA
At the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) headquarters, suspected NDC supporters attempted to take control of the facility, which could have disrupted operations at one of the country’s key economic institutions.
Videos circulating on social media show a group attempting to breach the gates of the GPHA headquarters.
Military personnel stationed at the site intervened swiftly, using measured force to prevent the group from gaining access.
Witnesses described the group as aggressive, but the situation was brought under control without injuries or significant property damage.
Other Targeted Government Institutions
Several other institutions, including the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), the Forestry Commission, and Metro Mass Transit, were reportedly targeted by groups attempting to seize control.
Forestry Commission
The Forestry Commission depot at Achimota was attacked by intruders who allegedly made off with valuable items, including 24 air conditioners, laptops, and other essential equipment.
Eyewitnesses claimed the assailants wore NDC-branded shirts and chanted slogans like, “Our government is now in power”. While the police responded swiftly to secure the premises, investigations into the theft are ongoing.
Private Properties Damaged
A Toyota pickup belonging to Nana Agyeman Prempeh, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for Ahafo Ano North, was set on fire by suspected NDC supporters.
According to a police report, the vehicle was parked outside Prempeh’s residence in Tepa when it was torched.
The vandals also caused extensive damage to another vehicle on the premises and fled the scene before arrests could be made.
The police noted that these individuals had earlier destroyed properties in Tepa and nearby areas during celebrations over the NDC’s victory.
EC Office and Fire Station
The police said the jubilant NDC supporters at Tepa allegedly attacked the Electoral Commission (EC) office, damaging the facility and ransacking the general office.
The EC office in Damongo, in the Savannah Region, was also set ablaze two days ago during the collation of votes.
The incident was caused by some NDC youth in the constituency.
The group also targeted the Ghana National Fire Service station, assaulting officers and seizing phones, including official devices.
“When the supporters reached the Tepa SHS where the collation was done, they went to the office where the voting materials and other equipment were kept temporary, removed the boxes, and set it ablaze,” the police report noted.
Police and Military Response
Law enforcement agencies, including the police and military, have intensified patrols and security measures in affected areas.
The Ghana Police Service has vowed to identify and arrest perpetrators based on video and photographic evidence.
Inspector-General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, reiterated the importance of maintaining law and order, stating, “Anyone involved in criminal activities will face the full rigours of the law, irrespective of their political affiliations.”
By Prince Fiifi Yorke & I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi