“When the drumbeat changes, so must the dance.” This African proverb aptly captures the moment Ghana faces after its 2024 general elections. In the aftermath of Ghana’s 2024 general elections, the incoming government under President John Dramani Mahama faces a unique opportunity to restore faith in the country’s democracy. His resounding victory, earning support from every single region, reflects a deep national belief in his ability to chart a different course. How he demonstrates this will be watched by many, myself included. Among the pressing challenges on his agenda is addressing the extrajudicial killings of unarmed civilians during the 2020 and 2024 elections. These tragedies demand decisive action not just for justice but to strengthen the moral foundation of Ghana’s democratic institutions.
Elections: A Contest of Ideas, Not a Battlefield
Elections are a peaceful contest of ideas, a process through which citizens choose their leaders without fear. When state security forces take the lives of unarmed citizens, it shatters this ideal. The Akan proverb, “Se wo nsa bɔ sɛ obi tumi yɛ ɔsomfo no, ɛnkyerɛ sɛ ɔyɛ awudifo” (The fact that someone serves authority does not mean they are a murderer), encapsulates this sentiment. Uniforms and badges do not license state-sanctioned murder.
In 2020, at least eight Ghanaians lost their lives to security forces during election-related violence. In the 2024 elections, at the last count, three people had been shot dead by security personnel. I hope that no further deaths occur. These deaths are not just statistics they represent lives snuffed out unlawfully, leaving grieving families and tarnishing Ghana’s democratic reputation. Under Ghana’s Constitution, particularly Article 13, the right to life is sacrosanct, save for lawful defences or executions following a fair trial. The actions of security personnel in such cases are blatant violations of this provision, amounting to criminality.
A National Mandate for Change
The scale of Mahama’s 2024 victory, with a majority of over 56% and support from every region, signals the electorate’s desire for a new approach. This mandate is a call to reject apathy and tackle issues that the current administration has avoided. The failure to investigate election-related killings and prosecute perpetrators in the past reflects a lack of political will, leaving families without justice and emboldening impunity within the security forces. The proverb “Se onipa da fam wɔ mu, sɛ ɔnso ɔbɛnyini” (When someone is trampled upon and left there, they will grow resentful) warns of the long-term societal damage such neglect can cause.
This Is Not a Witch-Hunt
I have seen as part of your First 120-day Social Contract that you intend to address these aberrations on our democracy. Gratifying as this is, I hope you don’t end up backing off lest some see this as witchhunting.
Addressing these killings is not a witch-hunt against the security services. Rather, it is a reaffirmation of the rule of law. Morale within the security forces will not falter if their leaders emphasise professionalism, accountability, and respect for human rights. Examples from other nations highlight that justice strengthens rather than weakens institutions.
South Africa’s post-apartheid Truth and Reconciliation Commission allowed for the airing of grievances and held perpetrators accountable, fostering healing while improving institutional credibility. Nigeria’s #EndSARS protests, on the other hand, revealed the dangers of failing to act decisively. Unaddressed abuses led to nationwide unrest, illustrating the proverb “Wɔkyɛre wo a, yɛhyɛ dɛm” (When you delay action, it only escalates the problem).
I dare say, if there are witches in our security services they must be hunted down. Citizens must not risk death at the ballot or the subsequent count and collation because as a country we encourage trigger-happy witches and wizards who we arm at the taxpayer’s expense to operate with impunity.
The Way Forward: Justice and Accountability
To honour the mandate Ghanaians have given him, President Mahama must take concrete steps to ensure justice for victims of election-related violence.
1. Independent Investigations: Establish an impartial body to investigate election-related deaths, publishing findings transparently to rebuild trust.
2. Prosecutions: Where evidence exists, prosecute security officers involved in unlawful killings to demonstrate that no one is above the law.
3. Institutional Reforms: Review police and military protocols for managing public gatherings and elections, emphasising de-escalation and non-lethal responses.
4. Compensation and Recognition: Provide restitution to the families of victims, recognising their pain and loss.
A Legacy of Accountability
President Mahama has the opportunity to set a precedent that Ghana’s democracy will not tolerate impunity, even within its ranks. Taking decisive action on election-related killings will solidify his legacy as a leader who values justice and human rights. He should not allow Ghana to be seen as a country where lives are lost recklessly during elections because of trigger-happy security personnel often enabled by desperate political actors.
Seeking justice for election-related violence is not just about peace for victims’ families; it is about securing the moral foundation of Ghana’s democracy for future generations. Let justice flow like a mighty river, for when the river flows, it nourishes all in its path. Mr President-Elect, congratulations are in order on your emphatic victory.
By: Kwame Sarpong Asiedu
