By: Love Wilhelmina Abanonave
Ghanaian actor Oscar Provencal has voiced his frustration over the violence that marred the Ablekuma North parliamentary election rerun, stating that Ghana’s political elite behave as though they own the country.
Speaking on the GTV Breakfast Show, Mr Provencal lamented the recurring violence and impunity in Ghanaian elections. “What is it about power that our leaders are willing to risk our lives for?” he asked, in reference to the attacks on journalists and civilians during the election, while police reportedly looked on.
His remarks follow a statement by the Ghana Police Service assuring the public of swift action in response to the election-related assaults. However, Provencal questioned the timing and sincerity of the response.
“Why are the police assuring action after the mayhem has occurred?” he asked. “Where were they during the election? Especially when some of the assaults were allegedly carried out by officers themselves.”
The Actor called for an end to election violence and urged Ghana’s political class to prioritize the welfare of citizens over their pursuit of power. He emphasized that the current political culture, which places power above people, must change.
He also questioned the applicability of Western-style democracy in Ghana, challenging citizens and leaders alike to reflect on whether blindly following foreign political systems truly serves the country’s unique context and needs.
