Former President, John Dramani Mahama has condemned the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) over incidents of violence that occurred during the party’s just ended Special Delegates Conference.
According to Mr. Mahama, who is the opposition National Democratic Congress’ flagbearer, the NPP has become noted for engaging in acts of violence in any electoral processes it is involved in.
The former president contended that brutality has no place in a democratic process especially in a contest amongst persons of same political party and thus, should be condemned.
“Violence has become the new normal for the NPP. Acts of violence during what should be a peaceful civic exercise must be condemned by all well-meaning Ghanaians. More so, in an internal contest involving persons who belong to the same party,” he stated.
Recalling similar incidents that occurred under the NPP government, Mr. Mahama said the shooting incident that left scores severely injured during the 2019 by-election in Ayawaso West Wuogon and the killing of 8 persons in the 2020 polls remain a blot on the legacy of the Nana Addo/Bawumia regime.
“Brutalizing opponents in an election has no place in modern society, especially among members of the same party. Ayawaso West Wuogon in 2019 and the murder of 8 innocent citizens in 2020 remain a stain on the legacy of Nana Akufo-Addo and Mahamudu Bawumia”.
The NPP, on Saturday August 26, 2023, held a Special Delegates Conference to whittle down the number of aspirants to 5 in line with the constitution of the party.
Although the process was generally peaceful, there were isolated cases of violence recorded in a number of voting centres including the Bono East, North East and the Oti Regions.
While a disagreement between the Bono East Regional Organizer and Youth Organizer resulted in a near fisticuff, the North East Regional Coordinator for flagbearer hopeful, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen was beaten to pulp.
