Ghana’s 2024 general elections, while largely peaceful, were marred by isolated incidents of violence that resulted in six fatalities and numerous injuries. A comprehensive report compiled by the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), in collaboration with the Coalition for Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) and the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), documented 76 separate incidents related to the elections. These incidents ranged from destruction of property and vandalism to physical assaults and, tragically, loss of life.
The report details specific instances of violence, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding the deaths and injuries. In the Northern Region, a 31-year-old man was fatally shot at the Nyankpaa lorry station in the Tolon Constituency. Another life was lost in the Savanna Region, where a 35-year-old man succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained during post-election collation in the Damongo Constituency. The Awutu Senya East Constituency in the Central Region also witnessed a shooting incident on election day, resulting in one fatality and several critical injuries. The Ashanti Region was another hotspot, with a confrontation between supporters of the two major political parties during collation in the Ahafo Ano South West Constituency leading to the death of a 33-year-old man and injuries to several others. In the Offinso North Constituency, a dispute over looted fertilizer led to a fatal stabbing and another death from a gunshot wound.
Beyond the loss of human life, the violence also targeted public infrastructure. The report documented the burning of Electoral Commission (EC) offices in Damongo in the Savanna Region and Ayensuano in the Eastern Region, representing a direct attack on the democratic process. These acts of destruction underscore the fragility of democratic institutions and the need for strengthened security measures to protect them during electoral periods.
CDD-Ghana has initiated a follow-up investigation to thoroughly examine the reported incidents. This involves visiting the affected regions, constituencies, and communities to verify the details of each case, including the identities and locations of victims. The organization aims to gather comprehensive information about the circumstances leading to these acts of violence. This process seeks not only to document the events but also to foster trust between investigators and affected families and to encourage community cooperation in the investigation.
The investigation will also serve as a bridge between the affected families and the justice system. CDD-Ghana plans to establish a platform to provide survivors and families of the deceased with regular updates on the progress of the investigations and the legal proceedings. This platform will facilitate communication and transparency, ensuring that those affected are kept informed and have the opportunity to voice their concerns and seek redress.
The preliminary findings of the investigation have already led to the arrest of 132 suspects. Of these, 45 have been remanded in custody, 71 are out on police enquiry bail, and 16 have been granted court bail. These arrests demonstrate a commitment to holding perpetrators accountable for their actions and upholding the rule of law. While the elections were largely peaceful, the incidents of violence highlight persistent challenges to Ghana’s democratic process.
Though the widespread chaos some feared did not materialize, the isolated incidents of violence raise concerns. Executive Director of CDD-Ghana, Professor Henry Kwasi Prempeh, acknowledges that the relative peacefulness of the elections should not overshadow the serious nature of the violent incidents. He emphasizes that the fact that Ghana has held nine successive elections does not excuse the continued presence of violence, which has resulted in injuries, destruction of property, and tragically, loss of life. These recurring issues underscore the need for continued efforts to address the root causes of electoral violence and to ensure the safety and security of all citizens during elections. The incidents highlight a persistent challenge to Ghana’s democratic consolidation.
