Ghanaian police have arrested more than 100 individuals, predominantly supporters of President-elect John Mahama, following a series of violent incidents tied to the aftermath of Saturday’s elections.
The arrests come in response to reported attacks on state institutions, looting of properties, and disturbances that resulted in injuries to police and military personnel. Two electoral commission offices were also set ablaze, reportedly over delays in announcing election results and disputes regarding some parliamentary outcomes.
President-elect Mahama, who secured a decisive victory with 56.6% of the vote against Vice President Bawumia’s 41.6%, has condemned the acts of vandalism. In a public statement, Mahama urged incumbent President Nana Akufo-Addo and security forces to “act decisively” to address the violence.
Vice President Bawumia, who represented the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the presidential race, called on Mahama to rein in his supporters. The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), led by Mahama, also achieved a commanding majority in parliament, winning 186 seats compared to the NPP’s 76, with four seats secured by independents and 10 yet to be declared.
The post-election unrest highlights Ghana’s entrenched “winner-takes-all” political culture, where supporters of the victorious party often demand control over state institutions and insist that appointees of the outgoing government vacate their positions before the new administration assumes office. This tradition has led to similar incidents during past political transitions, which civil society groups have consistently condemned.
In response to the unrest, police have issued a strong warning against further acts of lawlessness, pledging to ensure accountability. Among the 106 individuals arrested so far, nine were detained for their involvement in burning an electoral commission office in the Eastern Region.
Authorities have assured the public that they will maintain law and order as Ghana transitions to a new administration.
