President Akufo-Addo condemns post-election violence in State of Nation Address

The President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has in his first State of the Nation's address Tuesday condemned attacks that occurred in the aftermath of his victory in the 2016 Elections.

The President told Parliament on Tuesday morning that he does not agree with acts of lawlessness perpetrated by political party fanatics simply because their party is in government. 

He said: "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.

"Mr Speaker, 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.

"It appears these events were predicated on some concept of equalisation as they happened in 2009 and were repeated again in 2017. I condemn all such conducts and I call 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 our periods of transition," President Akufo stressed.

He also showered praises on the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Madam Charlotte Osei as well as immediate past president John Dramani Mahama for their roles in the smooth transfer of power.