The Office of the President, John Mahama, has formally petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, to launch an immediate investigation into the deaths of Ghanaian citizens during the 2020 and 2024 general elections.
Describing the incidents as “a lasting scar on our democratic process,” the Office emphasized the urgency of delivering justice to the victims and their families while preserving public confidence in Ghana’s electoral system.
The petition outlined specific measures to ensure the investigation is thorough and transparent. Key among the recommendations is the “establishment of a dedicated investigative taskforce” within the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to give the matter “undivided attention and efficient handling.”
It further urged “collaboration with witnesses and families,” emphasizing the importance of “thorough interviews with eyewitnesses, victims’ families, and other relevant individuals who may provide crucial information.”
The Office also requested a “review of electoral security arrangements” to examine the role and actions of security personnel deployed at the affected polling stations, seeking clarity on “their involvement or oversight” during the violent incidents.
Highlighting the need for evidence-based findings, the letter called for “advanced forensic techniques to analyze any physical evidence from the crime scenes, including bullet casings, weaponry, and other materials.”
Additionally, the President’s Office encouraged coordination with relevant agencies, stating, “Work with the Electoral Commission and other relevant agencies to review reports from the 2020 and 2024 elections for additional context.”
To promote public trust, the Office requested “periodic updates on the progress of the investigation” to “keep stakeholders informed and assure the public of your commitment to uncovering the truth.”
Speaking at the National Muslim Prayer and Thanksgiving event at the National Mosque in Accra on Friday, January 10, Mr. Mahama reiterated the importance of accountability in ensuring electoral justice.
“If these continue and justice is not served, then what it does is, it breeds impunity. And 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 stated.
The petition follows the loss of approximately eight lives during the 2020 general elections and two more in the recently concluded 2024 polls.
The Office of the President expressed confidence in the professionalism of the CID, noting, “We are confident in the competence and professionalism of the Criminal Investigations Department and trust that your efforts will yield the necessary results to bring justice to the victims and their families while preserving the integrity of Ghana’s democratic process.”
