The Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has condemned the recent incidents of violence, vandalism, and attacks on state officials and properties that have occurred nationwide following the December 7, 2024, general elections.
These disturbances emerged after the National Democratic Congress (NDC) assumed power from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) on January 7, 2025.
In a statement, the organization expressed concern over the recurring trend of post-election violence, describing it as a troubling aspect of Ghana’s political culture. CDD-Ghana warned that if such acts are not properly addressed, they could undermine efforts to reduce the negative impacts of winner-takes-all politics and threaten the nation’s peace and stability.
The Center has urged law enforcement agencies to enforce the country’s laws strictly to curb the rising incidents of violence. It also called on President John Dramani Mahama’s new government to take a strong stance against post-election unrest by ensuring that the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies can perform their duties without interference.
CDD-Ghana referenced the success of the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act (2019) in controlling party-affiliated political violence and suggested that similar strict legal measures be applied to post-election disturbances. The organization further recommended that future Transition Teams prioritize the prevention and management of post-election violence as part of the transition process.
While commending the peaceful conduct of the December 7, 2024, general elections, CDD-Ghana acknowledged Ghana’s democratic progress since 1992. It encouraged continued efforts to ensure elections and their aftermath remain free of violence and threats to life, property, and public safety.
