The Savannah Regional Electoral Commission (EC) has convened an emergency Regional Inter-Party Advisory Committee (RIPAC) meeting following violent unrest in the Damongo Constituency. This meeting aims to address the aftermath of the election chaos, provide updates on the commission’s stance, and determine a path forward in collaboration with key stakeholders.
The unrest was sparked by delays in announcing the Damongo Constituency election results, leading to violent protests, property destruction, and the tragic loss of life. One of the most alarming incidents was the attack on the Damongo Municipal Collation Centre, where angry youth set the Electoral Commission office ablaze. The fire caused severe damage, destroying documents, equipment, and the building itself.
Adding to the tragedy, Sibannira Mukaila, a supporter of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), was reportedly shot during the protests. Mukaila was rushed to St. Anne’s Catholic Hospital for medical attention but succumbed to his injuries shortly afterward. The incident has left the community in mourning and raised questions about the handling of the situation by law enforcement and election authorities.
The violence and chaos have led to significant arrests, with the Ghana Police Service detaining 12 individuals allegedly involved in the arson attack and other violent acts. The police have assured the public that investigations are ongoing to bring all perpetrators to justice and prevent future incidents of this nature.
Community leaders and advocacy groups have condemned the events in Damongo. The National Peace Council and the West Africa Network for Peace Building (WANEP) have both issued strong statements urging residents to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation. These organizations have called for calm, emphasizing the need for dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that the youth’s frustration stemmed from the prolonged delay in declaring the election results. This agitation, combined with existing political tensions, escalated rapidly, culminating in the destruction of the EC office and violent confrontations.
The Savannah Regional EC’s RIPAC meeting is seen as a critical step toward restoring order and addressing the underlying issues. The meeting will bring together political party representatives, local leaders, and other stakeholders to ensure that the election process is completed transparently and that public confidence in the electoral system is restored.
The unrest in Damongo is a grim reminder of the fragile state of peace during election periods in Ghana. It highlights the need for better communication and efficiency in election result announcements to prevent misunderstandings and tensions. Timely dissemination of information and proactive engagement with the public are crucial in managing expectations and maintaining order.
The loss of life and destruction of property have underscored the urgent need for measures to strengthen Ghana’s electoral process. Advocates are calling for reforms that prioritize transparency, fairness, and the safety of all stakeholders involved. This includes enhanced training for security forces to manage protests effectively and protect lives and property, as well as measures to ensure accountability for any lapses in the system.
The tragedy in Damongo has also raised questions about the role of political parties in managing their supporters. Leaders of the NDC and other political parties must take a proactive stance in discouraging violence and promoting peaceful dialogue. Political tensions, while inevitable during elections, should never lead to the kind of destruction and loss of life witnessed in this case.
As investigations continue, the community remains in a state of uncertainty, mourning the loss of a young life and grappling with the aftermath of the violence. The EC’s efforts to engage stakeholders and address the issues at hand are a step in the right direction, but much work remains to be done to rebuild trust and ensure that such incidents are not repeated in the future.
The events in Damongo serve as a sobering reminder of the need for unity and collaboration in preserving Ghana’s democratic values. In the wake of this tragedy, there is an opportunity for political leaders, civil society, and government institutions to come together to chart a path forward that prioritizes peace, accountability, and the well-being of all citizens.
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