By Enoch 
President John Dramani Mahama has directed his Executive Secretary to write to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to provide a comprehensive report on the status of investigations into election-related deaths. This move comes in the wake of growing concerns over the loss of lives during the December 7 election and previous elections.
Call for Justice and Accountability
At the National Muslim Prayer and Thanksgiving service held at the National Mosque in Accra, President Mahama expressed deep concern over the loss of lives during the election process. He emphasized the need for justice and accountability, stating, “Even though this election passed on peacefully, we must recognize that a few of our citizens lost their lives. My understanding is almost five of our citizens were killed in the process of the election. This is not the first time—in 2020, we know that eight of our citizens were killed. If these continue and justice is not served, then what it does is it breeds impunity”.
President Mahama’s call for justice resonates with many Ghanaians who have been affected by election-related violence. The loss of lives during elections is a tragic reminder of the need for a peaceful and transparent electoral process. By seeking a comprehensive report from the IGP, President Mahama aims to ensure that those responsible for these deaths are held accountable and that measures are put in place to prevent such incidents in the future.
Steps Taken by the Government
President Mahama reiterated his party’s commitment to ensuring accountability and announced that steps had already been taken to address the issue. “That’s why, as a party, we have said that we must investigate and find out what led to these killings so that we can take action, so that they don’t happen again,” he said. He revealed plans to engage the Ghana Police Service and the Attorney General’s Department to expedite investigations and ensure fair compensation for the bereaved families.
The government’s proactive approach to addressing election-related deaths is a significant step towards restoring public confidence in the electoral process. By involving key institutions such as the Ghana Police Service and the Attorney General’s Department, the government aims to conduct thorough investigations and provide justice for the victims and their families. This commitment to accountability is crucial in fostering a culture of transparency and trust in the electoral system.
Request for IGP Report
In line with this commitment, President Mahama has instructed his Executive Secretary to formally request a report from the IGP on the status of investigations into these killings. “I’ve asked my Executive Secretary to write to the IGP to give us a report on the status of investigations into these killings. Justice must be done. And we also will ask the Attorney General, when he takes office, to determine fair and adequate compensation for the families of those who have lost their lives,” President Mahama added.
The request for a report from the IGP underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in addressing election-related violence. By seeking detailed information on the status of investigations, the government aims to ensure that justice is served and that the families of the victims receive the support and compensation they deserve. This move also highlights the need for a coordinated effort between various government agencies to address the issue effectively.
Impact on the Nation
The call for a comprehensive report on election-related deaths underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in the electoral process. It also highlights the need for measures to prevent such tragedies in future elections. The government’s proactive approach aims to ensure that justice is served and that the families of the victims receive the support and compensation they deserve.
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Election-related violence has a profound impact on the nation, affecting not only the families of the victims but also the broader society. The loss of lives during elections undermines public trust in the electoral process and can lead to increased tensions and divisions within the community. By addressing the issue head-on and seeking justice for the victims, the government aims to promote a peaceful and transparent electoral process that upholds the principles of democracy.
Last Words on The Election Related Deaths
President Mahama’s directive to the IGP marks a significant step towards addressing the issue of election-related deaths in Ghana. As the nation awaits the report, there is hope that the findings will lead to meaningful actions to prevent future occurrences and ensure justice for the victims and their families.
The government’s commitment to transparency and accountability is crucial in restoring public confidence in the electoral process. By taking decisive action to address election-related violence, the government aims to create a safer and more inclusive environment for all citizens. As we move forward, it is essential to continue advocating for justice and accountability to ensure that the tragic loss of lives during elections becomes a thing of the past.
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