CDS Africa Condemns Rioting and Vandalism Targeting National Institutions
A recent wave of rioting and vandalism targeting national offices in Ghana, allegedly carried out by supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has been condemned by the Africa Center for Democracy and Socioeconomic Development (CDS Africa).
In a statement released on January 9, 2025, CDS Africa expressed concern over the disturbing trend, which has seen multiple government buildings and offices looted, including the National Identification Authority (NIA), the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), and MMDCE offices.
CDS Africa emphasized that while political expression is a fundamental right, it must be exercised through legal and peaceful means, not destruction and intimidation. The organization criticized comments by the Deputy General Secretary of NDC, Mustapha Gbande, who framed the actions as efforts to preserve government properties.
In contrast, CDS Africa commended the Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the NDC, Emmanuel Nii Ashie Moore, for strongly condemning the attacks and the party’s resolve to address the situation.
CDS Africa called on the Ghana Police Service to investigate the incidents and bring the perpetrators to justice. The organization urged all political actors to engage in constructive dialogue and respect national institutions, emphasizing that the destruction of public property weakens collective progress and harms citizens.
As a think tank committed to promoting democracy, civic education, and accountability in governance, CDS Africa remains dedicated to advocating for peace, democracy, and socioeconomic development in Ghana and across Africa.
Below is the full release:
Date: 9th January 2025
For Immediate Release:
CDS AFRICA DEMANDS ACTION AGAINST RIOTING AND VANDALISM TARGETING NATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
The recent wave of rioting and vandalism targeting national offices, allegedly carried out by supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is disturbing and must be stopped. As an organization that upholds the tenets of democracy and abhor violence, the Africa Center for Democracy and Socioeconomic Development condemns these destructive acts as they represent a serious threat to Ghana’s democratic principles, national stability, and the rule of law.
Reports from various news outlets indicate that multiple government buildings and offices have been targeted and looted, including the National Identification Authority (NIA), the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and MMDCE offices. We acknowledge that political expression should be exercised however, it must be through legal and peaceful means and not through destruction and intimidation. Therefore, the comments by the Deputy General Secretary of NDC Mustapha Gbande framing these actions as efforts to preserve government properties is distasteful and must not be encouraged. While CDS Africa disagrees with his comments, we commend the Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Emmanuel Nii Ashie Moore, for strongly condemning these attacks and the party’s resolve to address the situation.
CDS Africa calls on the Ghana Police Service to continue investigations into these incidents and swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice. Acts of rioting and vandalism have no place in our democracy, and those responsible must be held accountable. Furthermore, we urge all political actors to engage in constructive dialogue and respect national institutions. The destruction of public property only serves to weaken our collective progress and harm the very citizens these offices are meant to serve. CDS Africa remains committed to advocating for peace, democracy, and accountability in governance. We call on citizens to reject violence and work towards a more unified and prosperous future.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Celestina Damoah (Ms.)
Email: c.damoah@cdsafrica.org
ABOUT CDS AFRICA
The Africa Center for Democracy and Socioeconomic Development (CDS Africa) is a think tank that recognizes the importance of democracy in Africa’s growth and development.
We believe democracy is the key to building a fair, peaceful, and inclusive society. Therefore, our work is centered around promoting democracy, civic education and dialogue, policy research, and advocacy.
We aim to generate innovative research to influence policy reforms and create an environment supporting socioeconomic and political development. Join us in our mission to build a better future for all Africans.
