Addressing Electoral Violence in Ghana
Alhaji Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, the Minister of Interior, has emphasized the importance of implementing the recommendations from the Special Investigation Taskforce on election violence. His statement comes as part of a broader effort to ensure justice and accountability following incidents that occurred during the 2020 and 2024 general elections, including the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election.
During a press briefing in Accra, the minister highlighted that the report submitted to the President covered a range of violent incidents. He mentioned that four cases are currently under court review, three are being investigated, and two have already been resolved by the involved parties. The findings of the report underscore the need for urgent action to prevent further violence.
One of the key points raised in the report is the involvement of military personnel in crowd control. Alhaji Mohammed-Mubarak stated that such involvement should be halted to avoid deaths caused by excessive force. He noted that there were instances where security officers failed to adhere to discipline, leading to violations of legal requirements and neglect of their duties. In some cases, live ammunition was used, resulting in fatalities and injuries.
The report documented a total of 12 cases of electoral violence across both elections, with 15 deaths and 39 injuries recorded. Specifically, the 2020 elections saw six cases, eight deaths, and 30 injuries, while the 2024 elections recorded six cases, seven deaths, and nine injuries. These figures highlight the severity of the issue and the need for improved measures to address it.
The recommendations from the report include better coordination of election security management to ensure the appropriate use of force during crowd control. Alhaji Mohammed-Mubarak assured Ghanaians of the government’s commitment to ending electoral violence. He emphasized that perpetrators would be prosecuted, and families of the deceased would receive compensation, along with due support for those injured.
The affected constituencies identified in the report include Ablekuma Central, Ahafo Ano West, Awutu Senya, Ayawaso West Wuogon, Banda Ahenkro, Damango, Nkoransa South, Odododiodio, Savelugu, and Techiman South. These areas experienced significant incidents of violence, underscoring the need for targeted interventions.
In addition to addressing past incidents, the minister called for the empowerment of all security personnel to prevent future occurrences. This includes training and resources to ensure that they can manage crowds effectively without resorting to excessive force.
The government’s response to the report reflects a broader commitment to maintaining peace and stability during elections. By taking these steps, the administration aims to restore public confidence in the electoral process and ensure that all citizens can participate safely.