The 2024 Ghanaian General Election, while generally considered peaceful compared to initial apprehensions, was marred by a spate of post-election violence that drew condemnation from various civil society organizations. The National Election Response Group (NERG), speaking through its Vice Chair Mrs. Theodora Williams Anti, expressed deep concern over these incidents and urged leaders of the two major political parties, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), to actively intervene and rein in their supporters. NERG emphasized that decisive leadership from the top could effectively quell the ongoing violence and restore calm. While acknowledging the pre-election anxieties and high stakes associated with the election, NERG commended the collective efforts that contributed to the relatively peaceful conduct of the election itself. However, the post-election violence was seen as an unacceptable deviation from the desired democratic norms.
The Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), in collaboration with the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), convened a press conference under the umbrella of NERG and the Coalition for Domestic Elections Observers (CODEO) to address the issue of election-related violence. During this conference, NERG reiterated its condemnation of the violence and called for accountability. The press conference served as a platform to highlight the recorded incidents of violence and advocate for further action to address the underlying causes and bring perpetrators to justice. The collaboration between CDD-Ghana and WANEP demonstrated the commitment of civil society organizations to promoting peaceful elections and upholding democratic principles in Ghana.
Nana Kwabena Aborampah Mensah, a senior programs officer at CDD-Ghana, presented a detailed analysis of the election incidents, revealing a disturbing pattern of violence. According to the data gathered, a total of 76 incidents were recorded throughout the election process, resulting in six confirmed fatalities and 46 injuries. Beyond the human cost, the violence also manifested in the form of property damage, with 24 reported incidents of seizure, vandalism, and invasion of public properties. This data underscored the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for intervention to prevent further escalation.
CDD-Ghana commended the Ghana Police Service for its swift action in apprehending over 130 individuals in connection with the election-related violence. While acknowledging these efforts, CDD-Ghana emphasized the importance of continuing investigations and ensuring that those found culpable face the full force of the law. The organization also called on the public to cooperate with the police by providing information that could lead to the identification and arrest of perpetrators. This call for public participation highlighted the shared responsibility in upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability for acts of violence.
The post-election violence served as a sobering reminder of the fragility of peace and the ongoing challenges to democratic consolidation in Ghana. The incidents underscored the need for continuous efforts to foster a culture of peace and tolerance, particularly during election periods. The proactive engagement of civil society organizations like CDD-Ghana, WANEP, NERG, and CODEO played a crucial role in monitoring the election process, documenting incidents of violence, and advocating for accountability. Their efforts contributed to raising public awareness and putting pressure on relevant authorities to address the issue.
Moving forward, it is essential for all stakeholders, including political parties, security agencies, civil society organizations, and the general public, to work together to prevent a recurrence of such violence in future elections. This requires strengthening institutions, promoting dialogue, and fostering a climate of respect for the rule of law. The 2024 election, while largely peaceful in its conduct, highlighted the importance of addressing the root causes of electoral violence and ensuring that all citizens can exercise their democratic rights without fear of intimidation or violence. This requires a sustained commitment from all stakeholders to build a more peaceful and democratic Ghana.
