By Nadia Ntiamoah
President John Dramani Mahama has renewed calls for swift investigations and accountability following incidents of violence and alleged electoral malpractice during Ghana’s 2024 general elections.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Post-2024 Elections Evaluation Dialogue organised by the National Peace Council in Koforidua, the President charged the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to expedite investigations and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice without delay.
The event, which brought together political parties, civil society groups, religious leaders, and peacebuilding institutions, served as a forum for reviewing electoral conduct and proposing reforms to prevent future disturbances.
President Mahama, who won the fiercely contested 2024 presidential election, noted that unresolved grievances and institutional mistrust often fuel electoral violence.
“Violence thrives when grievances are left unresolved, when institutions are perceived to be biased, and when political discourse becomes toxic,” he said, stressing the urgency for security and legal institutions to act decisively.
He specifically tasked the Attorney General with finalising a report for Cabinet review to facilitate the payment of compensation to victims and families affected by the election-related violence.
“We owe it to the victims and their families to ensure they get justice and support,” Mahama stated.
The President also raised a red flag over the handling of sensitive electoral materials, expressing concern about how authentic Electoral Commission (EC) materials—including ballot papers—were reportedly found in unauthorised hands during the elections.
He called for thorough investigations into how such breaches could occur under the EC’s watch.
“We must not sweep these issues under the carpet. We must investigate how authentic ballot papers and other materials ended up in places they had no business being,” he declared, pointing to a broader issue of electoral credibility.
In highlighting legislative reforms, President Mahama praised the impact of the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019 (Act 999), which criminalised the operations of politically affiliated vigilante groups.
He acknowledged that the law and the disbandment of these groups had helped reduce politically motivated violence, though challenges persist.
His call for accountability follows several incidents during the 2024 elections where violence erupted at polling stations and collation centres, leading to injuries and, in some cases, fatalities.
Public pressure has since mounted for the government to address the perceived impunity surrounding electoral violence and irregularities.
Reiterating his commitment to democratic consolidation, Mahama stressed that no country can thrive in a climate of “fear, suspicion, and exclusion.” He urged all stakeholders to rise above partisanship and embrace dialogue and reform.
“This national dialogue is timely. Through dialogue, we cultivate mutual understanding, reduce tensions, and create shared commitment toward the Ghana we all desire,” he said.
He further underscored the need for inclusive governance, the rule of law, and transparency in Ghana’s democratic journey.
“The future we seek requires unity of purpose, respect for diversity, and constructive engagement across party lines, religious beliefs, and ethnic identities.”
