The Member of Parliament for Bantama, Francis Asenso-Boakye has condemned the many instances of violent eruptions that have trailed the 2024 Election.

In a statement on the floor of parliament Wednesday, he said “there can be no justification for the acts of hooliganism, lawlessness, and unauthorized takeovers of public offices witnessed in recent weeks,” especially given the democratic strides Ghana has made with her elections and the enviable pride the nation has earned for itself.

“The post-election violence we have witnessed—including arson, vandalism, physical assaults, unlawful take-overs of state agencies, and attacks on security personnel, poses a grave threat to the peace and stability of our nation. These reprehensible acts, reportedly perpetrated by individuals allegedly affiliated with the governing party, seriously undermine our democratic progress and must be condemned in the strongest terms.”

Asenso-Boakye cited a plethora of instances to “illustrate the gravity of the situation.”

• In the Ayensuano Constituency, Mr. Speaker, dissatisfied supporters of the ruling party set the office of the Electoral Commission ablaze.  
• Again, some state institutions, including the Ghana National Gas Company, Bui Power Authority, National Petroleum Authority (NPA), and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, among others, were unlawfully invaded, with some public servants being forcibly removed from their offices.
• Mr. Speaker, in my own constituency of Bantama, on January 8, 2025, some known operatives of the governing party, led by constituency executives, stormed public institutions, including the National Health Insurance Authority and National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), forcibly ejecting staff and locking their premises.
• Just last week, a group of individuals unlawfully targeted the Metro Mass Transit yard in Bantama, demanding control over its assets, including internally generated funds. Such actions, not only disrupt governance, but also threaten the livelihoods of affected staff and the local economy.

“Mr. Speaker, the instances are many, and I believe that colleague members have heard of similar instances of politically motivated disturbances after the December 7 election, including in constituencies such as Dome Kwabenya, Ablekuma North, Okaikwei Central, Tema Central, Techiman South, Nsawam, Obuasi East, Ahafo Ano North, and Ahafo Ano South West.

“What remains uncertain is when these incidents will end to restore the safety of citizens, ensure uninterrupted business activities, and bolster investor confidence. These are most unfortunate and must not be encouraged, regardless of the background of its perpetrators.”

According to Asenso-Boakye, the “recent tragic incident in Obuasi, where some individuals wielding locally manufactured rifles, pump action guns, knives, cutlasses, axes and machetes intruded the premises of Anglo Gold Ashanti Mines is widely believed to be associated with post-election violence. This unfortunately, led to the burning of vehicles belonging to private entities and individuals, as well as damages to other private assets.”

He said the exchanges with security personnel on duty led to the unfortunate deaths, with many severely injured.

“It is deeply troubling that these unlawful activities continue unabated despite the President’s recent public admonishment. There appear to be the lack of decisive and immediate action against the perpetrators of these crimes, which creates an impression of tolerance for lawlessness, eroding public trust in our institutions and the rule of law.”

Caution to media

Asenso-Boakye also cautioned the media who he described as “crucial players in our democratic process” to be circumspect in their commentaries and reportage which he said could fuel unlawful behaviour before, during and after elections.

He called on the leaderships of the National Media Commission (NMC) and the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) to take decisive steps to bring members found culpable to book.

“Leadership demands, not only rhetoric, but also decisive action. It is imperative that government moves beyond mere condemnation to ensure that all culprits, regardless of political affiliation, face the full force of the law.

“Mr. Speaker, this failure in leadership has resulted in other incidents across the nation, including those that occurred just yesterday in Bole Bamboi and Ho Central, which should be a significant concern for every well-meaning Ghanaian.

“Rt. Hon. Speaker, to safeguard our democracy and deter future occurrences of such unacceptable acts, I urge this House to consider a review of our legislative framework to impose stricter penalties and punitive measures on those who engage in these unlawful conducts, including the beneficiaries of their actions.”

He said Ghana’s democratic credentials are hard-earned and that the actions of a few should not be allowed to tarnish our reputation as a model of democracy in Africa.

“Let us act now, decisively, to restore order, reinforce public confidence in our institutions, and ensure that Ghana remains a shining example of good governance on the continent.”

Youth must resist temptation

He urged “the brave young men and women out there” not to let themselves be used by any politician to commit acts that would jeopardize their future.

“You deserve so much more than being a tool for destruction. Think of the dreams you hold, the goals you’ve set, and the brighter future that lies ahead of you. Don’t throw it all away for anyone’s selfish agenda.”