These arrests were made across various locations in Tamale, the regional capital, where suspects were reportedly caught engaging in acts of vandalism and theft.

The incidents occurred after the Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) Presidential Candidate conceded defeat, triggering celebrations among National Democratic Congress (NDC) supporters.

While some filled the streets of Tamale in jubilation, others turned their attention to looting and vandalizing public properties.

Government institutions targeted included the warehouse of the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly, the Department of Agriculture, the home of the Municipal Chief Executive for Sagnarigu, and the Veterinary Offices.

At the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly, looters stole a recently acquired tipper truck, a pickup truck, a water tanker, streetlight poles, fridges, and air conditioners.

They also carted away thousands of bags of rice and maize. From there, the looting spree continued to the Department of Veterinary Services, where drugs intended for animal vaccinations and office furniture were stolen.

The Department of Agriculture warehouse also suffered significant losses, with hundreds of bags of rice, maize, and agrochemicals looted. The looters used trucks and tricycles to transport the stolen items, leaving the compound littered with debris.

Speaking to Myjoyonline.com, the Director of Agriculture, Hawa Musah expressed deep concern over the theft, as the stolen food items were meant to support women farmers affected by a devastating dry spell earlier this year.

“We received 2,000 bags of rice and 1,000 bags of maize to assist smallholder women farmers who lost everything in the dry season. These items were stored at the warehouse for distribution, but now they have been taken away,” she lamented.

She also noted that post-harvest chemicals, motorbike parts, and helmets stored at the warehouse were among the stolen items.

The police and military were deployed to control the chaos, but Hawa Musah pleaded for continued security presence to prevent further looting.

“We are urging the military and police to remain on guard until the situation calms down. If they leave, the looters might return,” she warned.

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The institutions include the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, Passport Office, and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority.

Speaking at the launch of the NDC’s Manifesto at Winneba, Central Region on Saturday, Mr Mahama said public institutions whose services were on high demand would run a three shift system of eight hours each.

The shift system, the Former President added, would enhance access to essential public services and create jobs.

He said the 24-hour economy would also target key sectors in the private sector such as agro processing, construction, financials services, sanitation and garbage collection, extractives, hospitality industry, restaurants, and the transport sector.

He said the policy would also support the employment of more security officers in the various security agencies to provide adequate security for businesses.

Among the incentives to be enjoyed by businesses that would participate in the 24-hour economy policy were cheaper electricity, tax incentives, and other support packages, Mr Mahama added.

“We will provide tax incentives to companies that will sign up and pay lower taxes so that they can reinvest what they have saved back into their operations,” he said.

The NDC Flag bearer said he would also set up what he termed as the “Accelerated Expert Development Council” to facilitate the registration of Ghanaian goods on the African Continental Free Trade Area and champion export.

Source: Myjoyonline