The Ghana Police Service has taken swift action by arresting 12 individuals linked to various violent incidents during the recently concluded 2024 elections, including the destruction of the Electoral Commission (EC) office in Damongo. The arrests come in the wake of escalating tensions following delays in the announcement of election results, which led to acts of arson and vandalism in the Damongo Municipal Constituency and other parts of the Savannah Region.
In Damongo, a group of agitated youth set fire to the EC office, expressing their frustration with the delay in declaring the election results. The blaze spread quickly, causing extensive damage to the building and its contents. Eyewitness accounts revealed that the group, overwhelmed with anger, stormed the premises and deliberately started the fire. The EC office, once a hub for electoral operations, was reduced to ashes, leaving a trail of destruction that will require significant resources to rebuild.
The Ghana Police Service, in a statement released by ACP Grace Ansah-Akrofi, Director of the Police Public Affairs Directorate, confirmed the arrests and outlined the findings of preliminary investigations. According to the police, the suspects are responsible for various acts of destruction, including the arson attack on the EC office and damage to state properties in other parts of the country.
The investigation also uncovered evidence linking some of the suspects to the vandalism of district chief executives’ residences in different locations. In addition to the arson and property damage, a warehouse used for the school feeding programme in Tamale was broken into, with food supplies and other items reportedly looted during the chaos.
“We have obtained footage of these attacks, which is currently being reviewed by a team of investigators to identify all perpetrators involved,” ACP Grace Ansah-Akrofi stated. “The suspects already in custody will face justice as we continue efforts to restore peace and order.”
The police emphasized their commitment to maintaining law and order during this volatile period. Officers have been strategically deployed to key locations across the region, with intensified patrols aimed at deterring further acts of violence. The police urged the public to remain calm and allow security agencies to carry out their duties effectively.
The incident in Damongo has sparked widespread condemnation, with calls for peaceful dialogue and patience as the Electoral Commission works through its processes. Local leaders and civil society organizations have expressed concern over the escalating tensions, urging all parties to uphold the principles of democracy and respect for state institutions.
The destruction of the EC office is seen as a significant setback, not only for the Electoral Commission but also for the broader democratic process. The EC plays a crucial role in Ghana’s elections, and attacks on its facilities undermine the credibility of the electoral process.
The Electoral Commission, led by Chairperson Jean Mensa, has assured Ghanaians that every effort is being made to ensure transparency and accuracy in the collation of results. While the delay in announcing the results has sparked unrest in some quarters, the EC has maintained that its priority is delivering credible outcomes.
As investigations continue, the police are appealing to members of the public with any information related to the attacks to come forward. Community cooperation, they say, is vital to identifying all those involved and preventing further unrest.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of peace during election periods and the need for responsible behavior from all stakeholders. Electoral violence not only disrupts the democratic process but also leaves lasting scars on communities, affecting lives and properties.
The situation in Damongo and other affected areas underscores the importance of addressing underlying tensions that often surface during elections. Ghana, often celebrated as a beacon of democracy in Africa, must work to ensure that incidents like these do not tarnish its reputation.
As the nation awaits the final results of the 2024 elections, the focus remains on maintaining peace and ensuring justice for those affected by the violence. The authorities have reiterated their commitment to upholding law and order, sending a clear message that acts of violence will not be tolerated.
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