Dozens of Ghana president-elect’s supporters arrested in post-poll chaos
3 min readIn Ghana, over 100 people have been arrested, primarily opposition supporters of President-elect John Mahama, following widespread acts of lawlessness after the country’s recent elections. The disturbances, which have resulted in injuries to police and military personnel, include attacks on state institutions, looting, and violent protests, fueled by frustration over delays in announcing the results and disagreements over parliamentary outcomes.
The unrest began shortly after Mahama’s victory in the December 2024 elections, where he secured 56.6% of the vote, defeating Vice-President Bawumia, the presidential candidate of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), who garnered 41.6%. Mahama’s win represents the largest margin of victory in Ghana’s presidential elections in the past 24 years. His National Democratic Congress (NDC) also made significant gains in the parliamentary elections, securing 186 seats, while the NPP obtained just 76. Four seats are still undecided.
As is customary in Ghana’s winner-take-all political system, supporters of the winning party have begun to demand the removal of government-appointed officials from state institutions before Mahama is officially sworn in. However, tensions have risen over delays in the announcement of final results, as well as disputes regarding parliamentary seat allocations, prompting many of Mahama’s supporters to lash out in anger.
The violence includes the torching of two Electoral Commission offices, which escalated tensions in the capital and surrounding regions. Mahama himself has condemned the actions of his supporters, calling for calm and urging President Nana Akufo-Addo and security agencies to take swift and decisive action to quell the unrest. In a statement, Mahama appealed to the public to avoid violence, emphasizing the need for peaceful transitions in power.
Vice-President Bawumia, who lost the election, has also weighed in on the violence, urging Mahama to rein in his supporters. He called on the president-elect to ensure the situation does not escalate further and to take responsibility for preventing more attacks. The NPP, despite their defeat, has been vocal in condemning the lawlessness that followed the election, stressing the need for Ghana’s democracy to be protected from acts of violence.
The police have made significant efforts to control the unrest, warning individuals and groups that they will not tolerate any further violations of the law. As of now, 106 people have been arrested, including nine individuals taken into custody on Tuesday for their involvement in the burning of an Electoral Commission office in the Eastern Region. The Ghanaian army, which has been deployed to assist the police in maintaining order, has also issued a statement cautioning against attempts to disarm soldiers. The military warned that their personnel, when on authorized duty, have the right to defend themselves and others using lethal force if necessary.
“The Ghana Armed Forces wishes to caution that military personnel on authorized duty have the right to defend themselves, innocent civilians, and property, including the use of lethal force if necessary to preserve life,” stated Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quarshie in the official military statement.
The violence and unrest have sparked widespread condemnation from various groups, including the Catholic bishops of Ghana, who have labeled the actions as “unacceptable.” The bishops emphasized that the attacks go against the core values of peace, unity, and respect for life, which are fundamental to the nation’s identity. They called on political leaders to take responsibility for their supporters’ actions and to work toward fostering a peaceful environment in the lead-up to Mahama’s inauguration.
Mahama, addressing the public in a live broadcast on Tuesday night, called for restraint among his supporters, urging them to avoid further violence. He also emphasized that since the current administration still holds state power, it is crucial for President Akufo-Addo and security agencies to act swiftly to restore order. “I call on the president and security agencies to act decisively to curb the ongoing acts of lawlessness immediately,” Mahama said, stressing the importance of maintaining peace during the transition.
The post-election chaos in Ghana highlights ongoing tensions associated with the country’s political transitions, which are often marked by competition for power and resources. While the NDC’s sweeping victory has been largely celebrated, the violence has raised concerns about the stability of Ghana’s democracy and the need for all political actors to work together to prevent further unrest. As the nation waits for Mahama’s official swearing-in, the call for peace and unity remains a central theme for the people of Ghana.