By Celestine Avi
President John Dramani Mahama has called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to swiftly conclude investigations into violent incidents recorded during the 2024 general elections and ensure that all perpetrators are prosecuted without fear or favour.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Post-2024 Elections Evaluation Dialogue organized by the National Peace Council in Koforidua, President Mahama stressed the urgent need to restore public confidence in Ghana’s electoral system by holding those responsible for election-related violence accountable.
“We cannot afford a democracy where violence goes unpunished. I am urging the IGP to expedite the investigation process and ensure justice is served,” President Mahama stated firmly.
He condemned the pockets of violence witnessed in some constituencies during the last general elections, describing them as a stain on Ghana’s democratic progress.
“Elections should never cost lives. Those who committed these crimes must be brought to justice so that the families of victims can find closure,” he added.
President Mahama also revealed that steps were being taken to provide relief to families affected by electoral violence.
“I have been informed that the Attorney General is preparing a report to Cabinet so that adequate compensation can be paid to victims and relatives of the deceased. This is not just about politics, it’s about justice and humanity,” he noted.
He further commended the passage of the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019 (Act 999), which has contributed to reducing party militia activities, and called for broader electoral and security sector reforms.
“The disbandment of vigilante groups has helped reduce political violence. But more work needs to be done. We must ensure our security agencies are not manipulated for partisan gain,” Mahama cautioned.
The dialogue, attended by political actors, civil society, and electoral stakeholders, aimed at reviewing the 2024 elections to improve future democratic processes.
