President John Dramani Mahama has intensified his push for accountability regarding the violence that marred the 2024 general elections, issuing a directive to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to expedite investigations and ensure justice for all perpetrators.
Speaking at the conclusion of the National Peace Council’s Post-2024 Elections Evaluation Dialogue in Koforidua, President Mahama emphasized the urgent need to restore public faith in Ghana’s democratic institutions. “The IGP must expedite investigations into these acts of electoral violence and bring the perpetrators to justice,” he asserted.
He further assured the public that the Attorney General’s office is preparing a report for Cabinet aimed at providing adequate compensation to victims and relatives of those affected by the violence, demonstrating the government’s commitment to both punitive measures and victim restitution.
The dialogue session brought together political actors, civil society organizations, and peace-building stakeholders to thoroughly review the conduct of the 2024 elections and develop robust mechanisms to prevent future disturbances. While the elections were largely peaceful, sporadic incidents of violence in hotspots such as Techiman South and Odododiodio resulted in tragic fatalities and injuries, casting a shadow over an otherwise commendable electoral process.
President Mahama praised the positive impact of the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019 (Act 999), which was enacted to combat politically affiliated violence. He noted that the disbandment of party vigilante groups through this legislation has significantly reduced politically motivated violence.
This latest demand for swift action aligns with President Mahama’s ongoing advocacy for perpetrators of electoral violence to face justice. His renewed emphasis comes amid public calls for transparency and accountability for incidents during the last election, which included reports of clashes at polling and collation centers.
The ramifications of electoral violence extend beyond immediate physical harm; they erode public trust in democratic processes, deter voter participation, and destabilize national cohesion. The chilling effect of individuals losing their lives or sustaining life-altering injuries due to political thuggery undermines the essence of free and fair elections.
President Mahama’s administration has pledged to “not condone impunity” and is committed to providing redress for victims as part of ongoing electoral and security sector reforms aimed at safeguarding Ghana’s peace and stability.
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