The Association of Concerned Ghanaians in Europe (ACGIE) unequivocally condemns the barbaric attack carried out by supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on the residence of the opposition leader and Flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo-Addo recently.
Like all peace- loving Ghanaians across the globe, ACGIE is appalled and indeed disgusted by this deliberate act of hooliganism and provocation perpetrated by supporters of the ruling party (NDC) knowing very well that this could have very serious security and political ramifications for the country.
Our concern and in fact, worry is that this violent attack comes at a very sensitive time when all Ghanaians are praying for a peaceful elections devoid of violence and intimidation. With just nearly three weeks to the elections, such well-orchestrated political violence against political opponents must not only be rejected but condemned by all Ghanaians irrespective of our political leanings.
Clearly, this sickening attempt to institutionalise violence in our body politic is becoming too common among supporters of the party in government (NDC) as evidenced by recent events in Asunafo South, Asutifi North and South, Odododiodio in James Town and at the Nima residence of the NPP Flag bearer. These hooligans continue to act with such impunity because the state (the police) has more often than not failed to hold these common criminals accountable for their misdeeds.
As the general elections draw near, ACGIE calls on the Ghana Police Service to bring to justice the perpetrators of this shameful act and all others who use violence as a routine tool of political expression to serve as a deterrent to other like-minded criminals.
As a country, we cannot continue to tolerate this culture of impunity and allow perpetrators of crimes to go unpunished because of their political affiliations. Ghana is bigger than any political party, as such our actions should be guided by the larger national interest rather our political allegiance.
AGCIE therefore calls on the Ghana Police Service to take all the necessary steps to ensure that those who planned, instigated and carried out this vicious attack are made to face the full rigours of the law. That is the only way Ghanaians and the international community can be rest assured that indeed, the Ghana Police force is not merely engaged in giving mere assurances but that it is capable of putting its words into action.
Finally, we call on the Peace Council, Christian Council, Catholic Bishops Conference and the self-appointed Peace Ambassadors and advocates to condemn the attack on the NPP-Flag Bearer. It is time to stand up for Peace and be counted
ACGIE is an umbrella organisation representing all registered Ghanaian Associations in Europe. ACGIE is registered in Strasbourg- France and a member of the UN Affiliated International Association of Non-Governmental Organisations.
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