The National Peace Council has expressed grave concern over the persistent failure to secure convictions for electoral-related crimes in the country, warning that this threatens the country’s peace, security, and democratic resilience.
Addressing the Post-2024 Elections Evaluation Dialogue in Koforidua on Wednesday July 2, under the theme, “Dialoguing for a Stronger Democracy and Social Cohesion”, Most Rev. Emmanuel Kofi Fianu, Chairman of the National Peace Council decried the recurring loss of lives and violent incidents during elections, describing them as avoidable tragedies fueled by weak accountability systems.
He said after deadly 2020 Presidential and Parliamentary elections, six people were also killed in 2025 elections.
The Chairman revealed that a total of 76 violent incidents were recorded during the 2024 polls, including 24 cases of destruction, seizure, vandalism, and invasion of public facilities in constituencies such as Offinso North, Awutu Senya East, Damongo, Tolon, and Nsawam.
While the police arrested 132 suspects, with 45 remanded in custody, 71 granted police enquiry bail, and 16 on court bail.
Most Rev. Fianu questioned the absence of convictions and the culture of impunity surrounding electoral violence in Ghana.
“We must ask ourselves why must elections in Ghana, a beacon of democracy in the sub-region, still result in violence and bloodshed.Despite commendable gains in democratic consolidation with peaceful transfer of power, judicial resolution of electoral disputes and vibrant political pluralism, the persistence of election-related violence poses a serious threat to our national cohesion and democratic resilience” He bemoaned.
Citing the latest 2025 Global Peace Index, the National Peace Council Chairman revealed that Ghana has dropped three places; moving from 55th in 2024 to 61st globally, and from 4th to 7th in Africa.
“While we remain one of Africa’s most peaceful countries, this decline is a reminder that peace is not permanent. It is fragile and perishable, and must be intentionally preserved,” he cautioned.
The dialogue, convened by the National Peace Council in partnership with UNEP and CDD-Ghana, sought to reflect on the conduct of the 2024 general elections, draw lessons, rebuild trust among electoral stakeholders, and propose reforms to promote sustainable peace.
Key Concerns and Proposals
The National Peace Council identified worrying trends, including the sharp drop in voter turnout from 85% in 2004 to 60.9% in 2024, high numbers of spoiled ballots, growing voter apathy, and the monetisation of politics.
The Council warned that these signs point to deeper structural tensions and mistrust among key political actors and institutions.
It called for urgent national reflection and outlined several proposals:
The National Peace Council has urged a revisit and implementation of outstanding Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) recommendations, and fast-track electoral legislative reforms, particularly regarding political party financing and dispute resolution.
The National Peace Council also calling for enhance professionalism and impartiality within the security services, especially during elections,increased investment in civic education, youth political dialogue, and non-violent political participation.
The Council also called for collective Commitment to reject hate speech, misinformation, and incitement both online and offline.
The National Peace Council commended the Electoral Commission for managing a largely peaceful voting process but urged significant improvements in results management and post-election communication at constituency levels; areas he described as flashpoints for tension.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Kojo Ansah
