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President John Dramani Mahama has called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, to launch an immediate investigation into the deaths of eight Ghanaians during the 2020 and 2024 general elections.
In a statement issued on January 10, President Mahama, through his Executive Secretary, Calistus Mahama, emphasized the need for justice to honor the victims and reinforce accountability in Ghana’s democratic process.
“I have been instructed by H.E. John Mahama to formally request your office to initiate immediate investigations into the tragic deaths of Ghanaian citizens during the 2020/24 general elections. 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,” the statement read.
Call for a Dedicated Taskforce
To ensure thorough and transparent investigations, President Mahama urged the IGP to establish a dedicated Investigative Taskforce within the Criminal Investigative Department (CID). This taskforce would focus exclusively on the election-related killings.
The statement outlined several key steps for the investigation:
1. Establishment of a Dedicated Investigative Taskforce: Form a special team within the CID to ensure undivided attention and efficient handling of these cases.
2. Collaboration with Witnesses and Families: Conduct interviews with eyewitnesses, victims’ families, and other relevant individuals who can provide critical information.
3. Review of Electoral Security Arrangements: Investigate the actions and role of security personnel deployed at affected polling stations to determine their involvement or lapses.
4. Use of Forensic Evidence: Apply advanced forensic techniques to analyze evidence from the crime scenes, such as bullet casings, weaponry, and other materials.
Seeking Justice and Accountability
President Mahama also highlighted the importance of scrutinizing the role of security personnel at the affected polling stations to uncover potential oversights or misconduct.
This move reflects the President’s commitment to upholding Ghana’s democratic principles and ensuring that such tragedies are not repeated. By calling for a transparent and comprehensive investigation, Mahama aims to provide closure to the families of the victims and strengthen public trust in the nation’s electoral process.
The deaths, which occurred across various parts of the country during the elections, have been a point of concern for many, casting a shadow over the integrity of Ghana’s democratic process. The proposed investigation seeks to address these issues and uphold the values of justice and accountability in the country.
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