The Majority in Parliament has accused former Minister for National Security, Kofi Totobi Quakyi, and former National Security Coordinator, Larry Gbevlo-Lartey, of being behind post-election violence allegedly orchestrated by individuals linked to the National Democratic Congress (NDC). This accusation follows a series of violent incidents reported after the 2024 General Elections, including attacks on government appointees and acts of thuggery against state institutions.
The allegations were made just a day after President-elect John Dramani Mahama announced the inclusion of Totobi Quakyi and Larry Gbevlo-Lartey in an interim team to oversee national security matters until permanent officials are appointed. The Majority claims that these appointments have emboldened certain elements within the NDC to engage in violent activities that threaten national security and public safety.
At a press briefing, Deputy Majority Leader Patricia Appiagyei voiced grave concerns about the ongoing violence, asserting that the acts were orchestrated by key figures within the NDC leadership. According to her, intelligence reports indicate that Totobi Quakyi and Larry Gbevlo-Lartey are the primary architects of the violent acts, which include targeting innocent Ghanaians and state institutions.
“We have received reliable intelligence indicating that acts of violence and thuggery are being orchestrated by certain elements of the NDC leadership. Mr. Totobi Quakyi and Col. (Rtd) Larry Gbevlo-Lartey are key leaders behind these NDC thugs, inspiring them to violence against innocent Ghanaians. Even more troubling is information suggesting that these violent acts will intensify immediately after the swearing-in of the President-elect, John Dramani Mahama,” Appiagyei stated.
She urged Ghanaians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police and other security agencies. Appiagyei further warned that the violence poses a significant threat to the safety of both public officials and ordinary citizens, calling on the NDC leadership to take responsibility for their members’ actions and ensure calm.
Majority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh also weighed in, urging President-elect John Mahama to demonstrate leadership by taking immediate steps to curb the violence. He expressed frustration over the NDC’s denial of any involvement, pointing to their chants of “3y3 Zu, 3y3 Za” as evidence of their connection to the alleged perpetrators.
“They claim they don’t know anything about them, but they were chanting ‘3y3 Zu, 3y3 Za,’ and they were responding to them,” Annoh-Dompreh remarked. “Today, they are saying that all those hooligans are people coming from the moon. They don’t know them.”
He added, “Even before they are taking over, we’ve heard of their plans, their actions, and what they are doing. We are waiting, and we hope the President-elect will show leadership. If they do not show leadership, we will advise ourselves, and as the law permits, we will resort to any legal means to ensure we are not taken for granted.”
The Majority’s concerns stem from what they describe as a pattern of violence targeting government appointees and institutions since the announcement of the 2024 General Election results. Reports of physical confrontations, vandalism, and threats against public officials have fueled fears of escalating unrest as the transition of power approaches.
The accusations against Totobi Quakyi and Larry Gbevlo-Lartey have drawn significant attention, given their prominent roles in the interim national security team. Critics argue that their inclusion in such a sensitive role may undermine public confidence in the security apparatus, particularly if these allegations are substantiated.
While the NDC has yet to formally respond to these claims, party officials have previously denied any involvement in acts of violence, attributing the incidents to isolated individuals acting independently. The NDC has also emphasized its commitment to peaceful governance and national unity during the transition period.
The Majority, however, remains unconvinced, insisting that the leadership of the NDC must take decisive action to halt the violence and restore calm. They warn that failure to do so could lead to further instability and undermine Ghana’s democratic credentials.
The accusations have also sparked a broader debate about the role of political parties in maintaining peace during transitions of power. Ghana has long been hailed as a beacon of democracy in Africa, with a history of peaceful elections and transitions. However, the post-election violence has raised questions about the resilience of the country’s democratic institutions and the willingness of political actors to prioritize national interests over partisan agendas.
As tensions continue to rise, civil society organizations and international observers have called for dialogue between the NDC and the Majority to address the underlying issues and prevent further violence. The situation has underscored the need for stronger mechanisms to manage post-election disputes and ensure a smooth transition of power.
For now, the spotlight remains on President-elect John Mahama and his interim national security team. The onus is on them to address the allegations, reassure the public, and take concrete steps to ensure peace and security during the transition period.
The coming days will be critical in determining the trajectory of Ghana’s political landscape. The actions—or inactions—of key stakeholders will not only shape the immediate aftermath of the elections but also set a precedent for how the country handles transitions in the future.
As Ghanaians await further developments, the hope is that dialogue, accountability, and a commitment to national unity will prevail, ensuring that the country remains a model of democratic governance in the region.
