The ruling New Patriotic Party, NPP branch in the United Kingdom has
condemned the action of displaying weapons at the residence of former President John Mahama by the members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), to fight the FixTheCountry Movement.
The youth wing of the NDC, last Thursday, stormed the Cantonments office of the former President with weapons in anticipation of attacking and shedding blood of pro-government political grouping, FixingTheCountry.
But the group led by Ernest Owusu Bempah, who two months ago served notice to the Police to storm the office of the former President for picketing over the Airbus scandal failed to show up due to a directive from the National Security Ministry.
The picketing dubbed #ChaseJMKronoAirbus was rescheduled from Thursday, 16 November to Thursday, 23 November 2023 which was later cancelled.
However, in a bid to shed blood, the Greater Accra Regional Youth Organiser of the NDC, Amorse Blessing Amos also threatened to kill any member of the FixingThe Country Movement if they dared visit the office of former President John Mahama to embark on any protest against the NDC flagbearer.
The NDC Youth Organiser after days Ernest Kofi Owusu Bempah issued his statement also came out with a statement urging the party members to come along with weapons, such as; matchets, shovels, hoes, pick axes among other sharp objects to clean the residence of the former President on that day.
NPP
The NPP-UK branch reacting to the incident described the conduct of the NDC, as disturbing and unacceptable acts of violence displayed at an assembly of NDC members and supporters.
A statement from the NPP – UK Communication Directorate, noted that “Reports and evidence have shown that during this assembly, NDC supporters and members under the influence of provocative rhetoric, brandished machetes and were urged to “show your weapons” to the assembly. This blatant display of weapons and the fostering of a threatening environment are reprehensible and directly undermine the principles of peaceful assembly and democratic discourse”.
It stated that “This event took place not at a public rally but at the forecourt of the office of the former president and current flagbearer of the NDC, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama”.
“It is alarming and deeply concerning that, till now, HE John Dramani Mahama has not publicly condemned this act of violence. This silence raises serious questions, particularly in light of his previous statement about the NDC’s ‘revolutionary roots’ and his claim that ‘nobody can beat the NDC when it comes to violence.’ Such rhetoric is dangerously provocative and undermines the democratic principles and peace Ghana has worked hard to maintain”.
The statement continues “In light of these events, the NPP UK urgently calls on all civil society organisations including all faith groups, which have remained quiet this, to come forward and unequivocally condemn these acts of violence. It is a critical moment for civil society to stand up and voice their opposition to any form of violence in political processes, to safeguard the democratic integrity of our nation”.
“The NPP has always stood for and advocated peaceful, respectful, and constructive political debate. The aggressive and violent behaviour demonstrated at the NDC assembly poses a significant threat to public safety and tarnishes the democratic fabric of our nation”.
The NPP further demands that the leadership of the NDC, especially John Dramani Mahama, immediately denounce these actions and commit to ensuring their political activities are conducted in a manner that respects the rule of law, human dignity, and the safety of all Ghanaians.
“The NPP UK also calls on all political parties and their supporters to denounce violence and commit to a peaceful and constructive political dialogue. As we move towards future elections, all parties must contribute to a peaceful and secure electoral environment”.
“Ghana’s democracy and the safety of its citizens must be the paramount concern for all. It is time for responsible leadership and decisive action against any form of political violence” the statement added.
BY Daniel Bampoe