President John Dramani Mahama has called for swift investigations and justice for victims of electoral violence that marred parts of the 2024 general elections. He also revealed that steps are being taken by the Attorney General to recommend compensation for affected individuals and families.
Addressing the closing ceremony of the Post-Election Conference organised by the National Peace Council in Koforidua, President Mahama unequivocally condemned the violent incidents that occurred in some constituencies during the polls, despite what he described as Ghana’s “largely peaceful transfer of power.”
“I request that the IGP expedite investigations into these acts of electoral violence and bring the perpetrators to justice,” he said. “The Attorney General is also working on a report to be presented to Cabinet for adequate compensation to be paid to victims and relatives of those affected by the violence.”
The president stressed that peace and justice must go hand in hand in a democratic society and warned against allowing grievances to fester unaddressed.
“Violence still thrives when grievances are left unresolved, when institutions are perceived to be biased, and when political discourse becomes toxic,” he cautioned. “We must confront these challenges boldly. We must not sweep issues under the carpet.”
President Mahama noted that the Electoral Commission, security agencies, political parties, civil society, and the Ghanaian electorate must be commended for ensuring that Ghana’s democratic credentials remain intact. However, he insisted that accountability is critical to the integrity of the electoral process.
While highlighting progress made under the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act (Act 999), which he said has helped reduce politically motivated violence, President Mahama called for continued vigilance and reform. He urged stakeholders to investigate how authentic electoral materials end up in unauthorised hands, describing such breaches as dangerous to democratic trust.
“Our political differences must never become tools for division, mistrust, or violence,” he stated. “The future we seek cannot be built on division. It requires unity of purpose, respect for diversity, and constructive engagement across party lines.”
READ: Mahama pledges commitment to national unity and democratic reform
President Mahama also commended the National Peace Council and other partners for their efforts in conflict prevention and public education and expressed hope that recommendations from the conference would feed into national reforms, including the work of the Constitutional Review Committee.
As part of his concluding remarks, the president reaffirmed his personal commitment to upholding peace, strengthening democratic institutions, and addressing electoral injustices.
“Let this dialogue be a turning point,” he said, “a new chapter of healing, cooperation, and shared purpose.”
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
