Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), has been tasked by former President John Dramani Mahama to investigate the deaths that occurred during Ghana’s general elections in 2020 and 2024.
In a formal letter to the IGP, Mahama described these tragic events as a “lasting scar on our democratic process,” emphasizing the need for accountability to uphold the credibility of Ghana’s electoral system. He stressed that justice must be served to ensure such incidents do not recur.
Reports indicate that the 2020 elections resulted in at least eight fatalities, while six additional lives were lost during the 2024 elections. Mahama called for a comprehensive investigation into these incidents, urging that those responsible be held accountable.
Speaking at the National Muslim Prayer and Thanksgiving event held in Accra on January 10, Mahama warned that ignoring electoral violence could foster a culture of impunity, which poses a threat to the country’s democracy. He insisted that addressing these issues was essential for preserving Ghana’s democratic integrity.
As part of his call to action, Mahama recommended the creation of a specialized task force within the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to spearhead a detailed probe into the incidents. This task force will be responsible for gathering and analyzing all available evidence to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The investigation will involve interviews with the victims' families and witnesses who were present at the affected polling stations. Forensic examinations will also be conducted to analyze physical evidence, including weapons, bullet casings, and other materials found at the scenes. Additionally, the task force will evaluate the security protocols in place during the elections to identify any lapses or weaknesses.
Mahama reiterated his commitment to ensuring justice for the victims and their families while urging transparency throughout the investigation. He called for the inquiries to be thorough and impartial, with regular updates provided to the public.
The President’s Office has pledged to keep Ghanaians informed about the progress of the investigation to foster trust and accountability. The ultimate goal is to uncover the causes of the violence and implement measures to ensure that future elections are conducted peacefully, fairly, and without loss of life.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0