President Akufo-Addo condemns post-election violence 


The President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has condemned acts of vandalism and attacks on perceived members of the opposition in the aftermath of the 2016 elections. 

In his first State of the Nation address in parliament on Tuesday, the President said he was in total disagreement with lawlessness perpetrated by political party fanatics simply because their party had won power.

"Mr Speaker, certain incidents occurred during the transition period that are matters of concern to me and should be of concern to every Ghanaian as they marred an otherwise dignified and successful transition.

"Wrongdoing has no political colour and I do not subscribe to the lawlessness of political party supporters simply because their party has been elected into office," he stated.

He disclosed that, "When those incidents began, I instructed the then Inspector General of Police, John Kudalor to apply the law irrespective of political affiliation to all lawbreakers. This instruction was also carried onto his successor, Davin Asante-Apeatu, both of them acted upon it which helped to bring the situation under control."

He observed that, "It appears these events were predicated on some concept of equalisation as they happened in 2009 and were repeated again in 2017."

He condemned all such conducts and called on all political parties especially the New Patriotic Party and the National Democratic Congress to ensure that this is the last time such undignified occur during Ghana's periods of transition.

President Akufo-Addo lauds the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Charlotte Osei as well as immediate past president, John Dramani Mahama for their roles in the smooth transiton.

"Mr. Speaker, I use this occasion to commend the Electoral Commission and its Chairperson, Charlotte Osei, for the conduct of our recent elections, which has received domestic and international acclaim. In the coming years, I hope that our electoral processes will become even more robust, so that free and fair elections become automatic parts of our democratic culture." 


"I would like to take this opportunity, Mr Speaker, to express my sincere appreciation to my predecessor, President John Mahama, for his leadership and his role in the transition. His conduct has been a credit to our nation." President Akufo-Addo. 



President Akufo-Addo acknowledged the presence of two former presidents of the Ghana, former Presidents, Jerry John Rawlings and John Agyekum Kufuor and said he has an enviable position of being the first Ghanaian leader to be able to draw on the experiences of three living, former Presidents. 

This according to him should, "definitely", enrich his tenure of office.  


GBC