Security must crack down on criminals masquerading as NDC members — GFL

The Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL) has issued a resolute call to security forces to take immediate action against criminals posing as political party activists.

These individuals have been accused of seizing state property and evicting public officials from their official residences and offices following the December 7 polls, which saw a decisive victory for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in both presidential and parliamentary elections.

Speaking to the media in Tema, GFL Secretary General Mr. Abraham Koomson strongly condemned these acts, describing them as a blatant disregard for the rule of law and a threat to Ghana’s democratic institutions. He criticized the tendency of some media outlets to associate such criminals with political parties, stating, “Don’t clothe criminals in party colours…they are not political party affiliates but criminals attempting to take advantage of the tense environment.”

Mr. Koomson argued that labeling hooligans as party loyalists without evidence legitimizes their actions and undermines the ability of security forces to address such lawlessness. This, he said, fosters a culture of impunity and weakens the nation’s democratic fabric.

The GFL further urged the government, security forces, and the media to act decisively to curb the growing culture of violence and impunity in the country. “As the country grapples with the aftermath of the elections, it is essential that the government and security forces take decisive action to restore law and order,” he stated. He also emphasized the media’s critical role in promoting responsible and accurate reporting, avoiding harmful stereotypes and biases.

Protecting State Property

Mr. Koomson expressed grave concern over reports of politically motivated attempts to loot or destroy state property, particularly in the aftermath of the NDC’s electoral victory. He reiterated a warning to labour unions within state organizations to remain vigilant and safeguard public assets, including critical documents.

He highlighted the risk of corrupt officials destroying state documents to cover up wrongdoing during the transition of power from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to the NDC. “Workers must closely monitor politically exposed individuals, especially chief executive officers and accounting officers, to ensure state properties and documents are not tampered with,” he urged.

He also warned against suspicious fire outbreaks, often engineered to destroy documents and obscure evidence of corruption. The GFL’s stance, he noted, aligns with its declaration of 2024 as an "action year" for labour, emphasizing the need for unions to stand firm in protecting their rights and public resources.

Condemnation of Political Violence

Mr. Koomson denounced recent instances of political violence, including the looting and destruction of state property by so-called "foot soldiers." He described such actions as “criminally motivated” and called on the police to investigate and arrest the perpetrators to ensure justice is served.

In a related context, he underscored that political violence often stems from factors like partisan divisions, social media misinformation, and the normalization of aggressive behavior. He urged Ghana to learn from global trends and proactively address the root causes of violence, fostering a culture of peace and tolerance.

A Call for Accountability

As Ghana enters a new political chapter, Mr. Koomson’s message serves as a reminder of the need for transparency, accountability, and responsible governance. He stressed the critical role of a strong and united labour front, reminding unions that the Labour Act 2003 empowers workers to resist unfair practices.

“The lives of every citizen matter and should not be lost to greed or lawlessness. We must protect our institutions, our property, and the democratic principles that guide our nation,” he concluded.