President John Dramani Mahama has condemned violent incidents that marred Ghana’s 2024 general elections and has directed swift investigations into both the violence and the unauthorized circulation of electoral materials.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Post-2024 Election Evaluation Dialogue in Koforidua on Friday, the President acknowledged Ghana’s enduring democratic resilience but lamented the violence that occurred in a number of constituencies during the polls.
“Let me use this platform to unequivocally condemn these acts of violence and call for swift accountability for the perpetrators,” President Mahama said.
“I request that the IGP expedite investigations into these acts of electoral violence and bring the perpetrators to justice.”
Compensation for Victims Under Review
The President also disclosed that the Attorney General is compiling a report to be submitted to Cabinet, recommending adequate compensation for victims and families affected by the violence.
“We owe it to the victims and their families to not only acknowledge what happened but to ensure they receive the justice and support they deserve,” he added.
Concern Over Ballot Papers in Unauthorized Hands
In a related concern, President Mahama demanded full investigations into how authentic Electoral Commission ballot papers and materials ended up in unauthorized possession during the elections.
“We must investigate how authentic ballot papers of the Electoral Commission and other electoral materials fall into unauthorised hands during general elections,” he emphasized.
“This is a serious breach of public trust and must not be allowed to go unexamined.”
Ghana’s Peace Ranking Declines
The President’s remarks follow Ghana’s decline in the 2024 Global Peace Index, where the country dropped from 51st in 2023 to 55th globally out of 163 countries. Nevertheless, Ghana maintained its fourth-place position in sub-Saharan Africa and remained the most peaceful country in West Africa.
“This is a wake-up call,” President Mahama said. “A signal that we must be more vigilant, proactive, and committed to addressing the root causes of discord in our society.”
He stressed that violence thrives where grievances are ignored, institutions appear biased, and political discourse becomes toxic.
“We must not sweep issues under the carpet. We must confront these challenges boldly and constructively,” he urged.
Appreciation for Democratic Stakeholders
Despite the challenges, President Mahama commended the Electoral Commission, security services, civil society organizations, political parties, and the electorate for their contributions to sustaining Ghana’s democratic process.
