Mahama condemns New Zealand terror attack

Former President John Dramani Mahama has condemned the terror attack at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand.

The Presidential Candidate for the National Democratic Congress(NDC) in a Facebook post said ”There must be no place in the world today for terrorists, hiding under the cloak of ideology or creed, to visit violence on innocent citizens on the basis of their faith”.

The 2020 Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Congress further advised Ghana to draw lessons from the New Zealand incident and kick against any form of political vigilantism as activities of such groups have dent on Ghana’s democracy.

”Our hearts are with all victims, their families and the people of New Zealand following the cowardly terrorist attacks against Muslims at the Al Noor and Linwood mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand. There must be no place in the world today for terrorists, hiding under the cloak of ideology or creed, to visit violence on innocent citizens on the basis of their faith.

”We pray for healing and strength for the wounded. May their spirits never be broken by these lowly acts of cowardice. But while we pray for New Zealand, we must take proactive steps to curb any adverse effects on our democracy by our own homegrown brand of partisan militant vigilantes.” he stated in the post.

New Zealand attack 

Forty-nine people were killed and 48 wounded in the shootings.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern described it as a terrorist attack and one of New Zealand’s “darkest days”.

A gunman identifying himself as an Australian live-streamed the rampage at Al Noor mosque to Facebook. He had espoused racist, anti-immigrant views.

Police say a man in his late 20s has been arrested and charged with murder.

Two other men and one woman were also detained.

The main suspect in the killings has appeared in court on a single murder charge.

Australian Brenton Tarrant, 28, was brought to the dock in a white prison shirt and handcuffs. Further charges are expected to be made against him.