Former President and flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has expressed concern over the culture of impunity surrounding political violence in Ghana, particularly in the aftermath of the recent clash between supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the NDC in Mamobi.
The violent confrontation, which took place on Sunday, October 13, left nine people injured, two of whom remain hospitalized while seven have since been treated and discharged. The cause of the clash remains unclear, but eyewitnesses reported that a heated argument between the rival party supporters quickly escalated into violence, resulting in injuries.
Addressing the situation, Mahama criticized the lack of accountability for politically motivated violence, stating that impunity continues to embolden those responsible for such acts.
“It may not have led to the loss of lives, but people had weapons and they fired shots and injured people. The reason this continues is because there is impunity. Those who have the weapons know that nothing will happen to them. They will do it and get away with it,” Mahama said.
He went on to highlight how political connections often shield perpetrators from facing justice, fueling further violence. “Because they are operatives of the system. They are people who belong to the political establishment. I saw one clear picture of one of them holding his pistol. Just watch, nothing will happen to them. And as long as nothing happens to them, it will continue,” Mahama remarked.
In response to the violence, the Ghana Police Service swiftly intervened to restore calm in Mamobi, deploying officers to the area to prevent further clashes. An intelligence-led operation has resulted in the arrest of one individual, while the police continue their manhunt for others involved in the violence.
The disturbances, which escalated tensions in the community, resulted in seven of the injured receiving treatment and being discharged. However, two victims remain hospitalized, with authorities closely monitoring their condition.
