President John Dramani Mahama has once again intensified his push for accountability over the violence that marred the 2024 general elections, issuing a direct call to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to expedite investigations and ensure swift justice for all perpetrators.
Speaking at the concluding ceremony of the National Peace Council’s Post-2024 Elections Evaluation Dialogue in Koforidua, President Mahama underscored the urgent need to restore public faith in Ghana’s democratic institutions.
“IGP, expedite investigations into these acts of electoral violence and bring the perpetrators to justice,” President Mahama firmly stated.
He further assured the public that the Attorney General’s Office is “also working on a report to be presented to Cabinet for adequate compensation to be paid to victims and relatives of those affected by the violence,” signalling the government’s commitment to both justice and redress.
The dialogue, a crucial gathering of political actors, civil society organisations, and peace-building stakeholders, was convened to thoroughly review the conduct of the 2024 elections and develop mechanisms to prevent future disturbances.
While the 2024 elections were largely peaceful, sporadic incidents of violence—particularly in hotspots like Techiman South, Odododiodio, and other constituencies—resulted in tragic fatalities and numerous injuries.
These unfortunate events, though fewer than in previous election cycles, cast a shadow over an otherwise commendable electoral process and reignited public calls for accountability.
President Mahama lauded the positive impact of the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019 (Act 999), which was enacted to tackle politically affiliated violence.
He affirmed that “the disbandment of party vigilante groups through the passage of the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019 (Act 999) was a step in the right direction that has helped to reduce politically motivated violence to some extent.”
The law has been instrumental in curbing the once-prevalent threats posed by party-affiliated militia groups, which had historically undermined electoral security.
President Mahama’s renewed call is part of a consistent stance he has taken over the years: that electoral violence must be addressed decisively and transparently.
His latest appeal comes amid ongoing public demand for accountability in relation to the clashes that reportedly occurred at polling and collation centres.
The impact of electoral violence extends far beyond physical harm—it erodes public trust in democratic processes, discourages voter participation, and threatens national cohesion.
Cases of individuals losing their lives or suffering life-altering injuries due to political violence undermine the very foundation of free and fair elections.
President Mahama reiterated that his administration “will not condone impunity” and pledged to provide redress for victims as part of ongoing reforms in the electoral and security sectors aimed at preserving Ghana’s peace and democratic stability.
Source: Myjoyonline
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