Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe, a well-known Ghanaian statesman and former Ambassador to Serbia and Montenegro, has openly criticized the Ghana Police Service for its silence and inaction following a tragic shooting incident during the 2020 general elections. The incident occurred in the Techiman South constituency, where eight innocent lives were lost in what many consider a blatant act of electoral violence.
Speaking on national television, Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe shared his deep disappointment, expressing how the lack of accountability for the perpetrators has left a stain on Ghana's democracy. He questioned why, after four years, not a single individual has been arrested or prosecuted for the killings. For him, this failure is not only unacceptable but also a dangerous signal that justice can be ignored when it matters the most.
Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe, who is also a respected medical doctor trained in Czechoslovakia, did not hold back in his critique. He pointed fingers at the Ghana Police Service, religious leaders, and government officials, accusing them of standing by and doing nothing while families of the victims continue to suffer in silence. He argued that the silence of these key institutions reflects a troubling disregard for human life and the rule of law.
The former ambassador vowed to personally confront the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, about the matter. According to him, the IGP must not forget that his duty is to serve the people by upholding justice and maintaining law and order. Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe warned the IGP against taking his role lightly, stating that Ghana has had a long history of competent police leadership, and citizens expect nothing less from him.
Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe emphasized that the failure to prosecute those responsible for the Techiman South killings undermines the nation’s peace efforts. He found it ironic that while leaders are signing peace pacts ahead of the 2024 elections, such atrocities remain unresolved.
He further expressed concern that the lack of action sends a dangerous message to both citizens and political actors that violence during elections can go unpunished. For him, true peace cannot be achieved by mere agreements on paper; it must be rooted in justice and accountability.
His remarks came on the heels of a major event in Ghana’s political calendar. On November 28, 2024, all presidential candidates in the upcoming elections gathered in Accra to sign the fourth Peace Pact. This agreement, organized by the National Peace Council and the Institute of Democratic Governance (IDEG), aims to promote peace before, during, and after the December 7 elections.
Key figures at the event included Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and former President John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Both men personally signed the pact, committing to ensure that their supporters conduct themselves peacefully throughout the election period.
The event also drew an array of dignitaries, including Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, National Chief Imam Sheik Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, and the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Jean Mensa. Former ECOWAS President Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas was also present to witness the ceremony.
While the Peace Pact is seen as a positive step toward ensuring a peaceful election, Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe argued that such efforts would be meaningless if past electoral crimes remain unresolved. He believes that peace is not just about preventing violence in the future but also about addressing injustices of the past.
The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), which had earlier protested the peace pact over certain unmet demands, eventually agreed to participate in the process after their concerns were addressed. This move has been welcomed as a sign of cooperation and commitment to peace ahead of the elections.
However, Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe’s comments have reignited conversations about the broader issues of justice and accountability in Ghana’s electoral system. He challenged both the government and law enforcement agencies to act decisively, stating that failure to do so could erode public trust in the system and create conditions for further unrest.
For him, the families of the eight victims from Techiman South deserve more than silence. They deserve answers, justice, and the assurance that such a tragedy will never happen again. Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe’s strong words serve as a reminder that Ghana’s democracy, while admired across Africa, still has significant challenges to overcome.
As the country prepares for its December 7 elections, the question remains: will the pursuit of peace through the signing of agreements be matched by the pursuit of justice for those who lost their lives in 2020? For Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe, the answer lies in the actions—or inactions—of the nation’s leaders, particularly the IGP.
His final message to the police chief was both direct and cautionary. “This country has seen IGPs long before you. Do not think that just speaking good English is your job. The people of Ghana are watching, and if you fail to act, the consequences will be unimaginable,” he warned.
Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe’s passionate appeal is not just a call for justice but also a plea for a better and fairer Ghana, where peace is built on a foundation of truth and accountability.
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