The President of the Republic of Ghana, HE John Dramani Mahama has formally petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, to launch an urgent and thorough investigation into the deaths of eight Ghanaian citizens during the 2020 and 2024 general elections.
The deaths, which reportedly occurred at polling stations across the country, have raised significant concerns about electoral violence and its impact on Ghana’s democratic stability.
In a letter dated January 10, 2025, signed by Callistus Mahama, Ph.D., Secretary to the President, and addressed to the IGP, President Mahama emphasized the need for justice for the victims and their families.
“These incidents, which occurred in various parts of the country, have left a lasting scar on our democratic process, and it is imperative that justice is served for the victims and their families. To ensure the investigations are comprehensive and transparent, we respectfully propose the following:”
Dr Callistus Mahama, the Executive Secretary to President Mahama
The letter outlined a five-point proposal, including the call for the formation of a special taskforce within the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to prioritize these cases, ensuring undivided attention and swift progress.
Secondly, the letter urged the Inspector Genral of Police to engage directly with eyewitnesses, victims’ families, and other relevant individuals to gather detailed accounts of the incidents.
Thridly, the letter demanded scrutinizing the roles and actions of security personnel deployed at the affected polling stations to identify potential misconduct or lapses.
Leveraging Advanced Forensic Techniques
Additionally, the letter called for leveraging advanced forensic techniques to analyze physical evidence such as bullet casings and weaponry linked to the deaths while urging collaboration with electoral and civic dodies.
Here, the letter, implored the Inspector General of Police to work closely with the Electoral Commission and other agencies to review election-related reports for additional context and insights.
“To maintain public trust and ensure transparency, we kindly request periodic updates on the progress of the investigation. This will help to keep stakeholders informed and assure the public of your commitment to uncovering the truth.”
Dr Callistus Mahama, the Executive Secretary to President Mahama
Dr Callistus Mahama, the Executive Secretary to President Mahama expressed confidence in the competence and professionalism of the CID, urging them to prioritize these investigations to restore faith in Ghana’s electoral processes.
The deaths during the 2020 and 2024 elections have been widely condemned by civil society organizations, political actors, and international observers.
Many have raised concerns about the growing threat of electoral violence and its potential to undermine Ghana’s reputation as a stable democracy in the region.
This latest move by President Mahama underscores a broader call for accountability and the preservation of democratic values in the country.
The letter, copied to Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, and the CID, was officially received by Sgt—Joshua Harteh of the IGP Secretariat. The Executive Secretary to the President assured the police of their full cooperation and support in the investigation.
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