By Daniel Bampoe
The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, has made a startling revelation that security personnel, including officers of the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Armed Forces, were directly implicated in several cases of electoral violence that claimed lives during the 2020 and 2024 general elections.
Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, Muntaka disclosed that investigations by a Special Task Force established by the Ministry had determined that out of the 15 deaths recorded nationwide during the two election periods, seven were caused by security operatives. The remaining fatalities, according to him, resulted from violent clashes among political party supporters.
The Minister explained that the task force’s report—based on a comprehensive review of police dockets, forensic and ballistic analyses, and on-site examinations—confirmed that three deaths were caused by the military during crowd control operations, while four others were traced to armed police patrol teams.
“Investigations revealed that during operations to restore order at polling and collation centres, some police and military personnel discharged firearms, leading to the unfortunate deaths of seven citizens,” Muntaka stated.
He emphasized that those found culpable would face justice regardless of their positions in the security services.
He cited the Odododiodio constituency in the Greater Accra Region as one of the most violent flashpoints during the 2020 polls.
The area, known for its intense political rivalry, witnessed bloody confrontations that led to multiple injuries and deaths. Muntaka confirmed that the Attorney-General’s Department is currently prosecuting three individuals accused of firing into a crowd, injuring several persons.
They are standing trial at the High Court, Criminal Division, Accra, on charges of conspiracy to commit murder and attempted murder.
In total, 21 suspects have been identified in connection with various incidents across the two elections.
According to the Interior Minister, four have been granted police inquiry bail, five are on remand, and warrants have been issued for the arrest of the remaining suspects.
The incidents, spread across multiple regions, include fatalities in the 2020 elections at Techiman South in Bono East, Odododiodio and Ablekuma Central in Greater Accra, Banda and Dormaa West in Bono Region, and Savelugu in the Northern Region.
For the 2024 polls, violence was reported in Awutu Senya East (Central Region), Tolon (Northern Region), Damango (Savannah Region), Nkoranza South (Bono East), and Offinso North and Ahafo Ano South-West (Ashanti Region).
The Minister further revealed that the Techiman South case—one of the most controversial incidents of the 2020 elections—was hindered by environmental challenges.
Heavy rainfall after the shootings reportedly destroyed crucial ballistic evidence. “Spent shells could not be retrieved, and no bullets were recovered from the bodies of the deceased to aid forensic analysis. This has made it difficult to determine conclusively who fired the fatal shots,” he lamented.
Muntaka assured the public that the government remains committed to ensuring justice for all victims of electoral violence.
He added that the task force has recommended monetary compensation for the families of the deceased, with additional compensation for injured victims pending the conclusion of court proceedings.
