Political violence shameful, I'll not tolerate it - Akufo-Addo warns

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has reiterated his government's commitment to end political vigilantism and violence.

He says it shames us all as a country and that he will not tolerate it.

He has, therefore, vowed to ensure that the two main political parties (NDC, NPP) will meet and find a way to disband vigilante groups affiliated to their parties.

Addressing Ghanaians at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium in Tamale during the 62nd Independence Day anniversary on Wednesday, March 6, the President said political violence is “offensive and shames us all who are in politics,” adding that he will spare no effort including the initiation of the relevant legislation to ensure that we rid our nation of politically related violence.”

"The people of Ghana do not deserve to be toyed with in such a reckless manner”.

“Under a multiparty democracy, there will necessary be a divergence of opinions, indeed democracy thrives on debates, on passions, on arguments and sometimes even on raised voices.

In the midst of the arguments and raised voices, there is and must always be mutual respect for the opposing viewpoints. Under a multiparty democracy, we must have elections that will invariably be keenly fought. There is no room and there should be no room for violence in this whole process.”

He also used his address to assure the people of Ghana that there will be no violence in the 2020 elections.

“There’s no room and there should be no room for violence in this whole process. It should be a contest of ideas that seek to win the hearts and minds of the people.”

He also reiterated his readiness to initiate legislation to address the problem.

“That is why I am determined that hopefully the impending dialogue between the two major political parties, NDC and NPP succeeds. I will spare no effort including the initiation of the relevant legislation to ensure that we rid our national from politically related violence,” he added.