In the wake of the tragic deaths related to the 2024 general elections, President-elect John Dramani Mahama has pledged to thoroughly investigate these incidents if the current administration fails to take action. His statement, made during a courtesy visit by the European Union Ambassador to Ghana, Irchad Razaaly, sheds light on his commitment to ensuring justice, accountability, and transparency in the election aftermath.
The 2024 elections, while largely seen as successful in terms of voter turnout and conduct, were marred by violence in certain regions, leading to multiple fatalities and injuries. Reports indicate at least three deaths tied to election-related conflicts, as well as a number of people who sustained injuries during the tense voting period. These events have raised serious concerns among Ghanaians and international observers alike, with calls for the government to investigate the causes behind these tragedies and bring the perpetrators to justice.
During his meeting with Ambassador Razaaly, Mahama expressed his dissatisfaction with the handling of these incidents by the outgoing government. He emphasized that if the current administration does not pursue a thorough investigation, his government would take the necessary steps to ensure that those responsible for the deaths are held accountable once he assumes office. “I am happy about the smooth successful election we had, unfortunately, there were a few incidents which led to death, I intend to investigate what led to the death. People are culpable, and they need to pay the price for what they have done,” Mahama declared.
The former president’s statement underscores his commitment to restoring peace and ensuring that justice is served, no matter the political cost. He reiterated that his administration would work to foster accountability in the electoral process, ensuring that such incidents do not go unpunished. He further stressed the importance of investigating these deaths to uncover the truth behind the violence and to prevent similar occurrences in future elections.
Beyond the issue of election-related violence, Mahama also took the opportunity to address the broader picture of Ghana’s international relations. He highlighted the importance of strengthening diplomatic and economic ties with the European Union, particularly in the wake of the economic challenges facing the country. The recent economic downturn, exacerbated by Ghana’s exclusion from international capital markets, has made foreign investments increasingly vital to the country’s recovery. As a result, Mahama’s administration is committed to deepening Ghana’s cooperation with the EU to boost foreign investments and stimulate economic growth during this difficult period.
“The EU is one of the biggest sources of foreign investment in Ghana, and in this economic crisis, we need to enhance this relationship. The EU’s support is crucial for the country’s development, and we intend to engage them early to review our current cooperation,” Mahama said. This statement signals a clear intent to pursue policies that will attract investment, while also ensuring that Ghana’s international standing remains strong.
Ambassador Irchad Razaaly, in his remarks, congratulated Mahama for his electoral success and commended the country for its peaceful and largely successful election. He also acknowledged Mahama’s historic achievement in appointing Ghana’s first female Vice President-elect. This move, which marks a significant milestone for gender equality in Ghanaian politics, was praised by the EU ambassador as a commendable step towards greater representation of women in political leadership roles.
The Electoral Commission (EC) officially declared John Mahama as the winner of the 2024 presidential election on December 9, confirming his victory with 6,328,397 votes, which represents 56.55% of the valid votes cast. His closest rival, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), garnered 4,657,304 votes, or 41.61%, a significant gap that cemented Mahama’s triumph. The announcement of the election results came amid tension in certain parts of the country, but the EC’s swift confirmation of the results helped to maintain some semblance of order and transparency.
As Mahama prepares to take office, his focus remains on the challenges that lie ahead, particularly in terms of ensuring that the country recovers from the economic difficulties it faces. His administration’s commitment to justice, transparency, and international cooperation will be key themes of his presidency. Mahama has made it clear that his government will not shy away from addressing contentious issues, such as election-related violence, and that he will use all available resources to ensure that justice is served.
The focus on foreign investment, particularly from the EU, reflects Mahama’s understanding of the importance of global partnerships in securing Ghana’s economic future. With many foreign investors looking to Ghana as a potential market, Mahama’s administration will work to create an environment conducive to business and economic growth.
Looking ahead, Mahama’s stance on electoral justice, along with his dedication to bolstering Ghana’s relationships with key international partners, signals his determination to bring about positive change in the country. As the country grapples with the aftermath of the 2024 elections, his promises to investigate election-related deaths and strengthen diplomatic relations with the EU will likely play a crucial role in shaping Ghana’s political landscape in the coming years.
In conclusion, while the aftermath of the 2024 elections has been tainted by unfortunate incidents, President-elect Mahama’s determination to seek justice and build a more transparent and accountable government is a hopeful sign for many Ghanaians. As he prepares to assume office, his leadership will be pivotal in shaping the nation’s future.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0