President Mahama Urges IGP Dampare to Investigate Election-Related Deaths from 2020 and 2024.
President John Dramani Mahama has officially called for a thorough investigation into the deaths recorded during the 2020 and 2024 general elections. In a letter addressed to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, the President expressed concern over the unresolved incidents and emphasized the need for justice and accountability.
The letter, signed by the President’s Executive Secretary, highlighted the loss of lives during the electoral processes and called for a comprehensive inquiry to uncover the circumstances surrounding these tragedies. The move aims to provide closure to grieving families and reinforce the nation’s commitment to upholding democracy and the rule of law.
The President described the deaths as a blot on Ghana’s democratic record, noting that elections, a cornerstone of democracy, should not lead to the loss of innocent lives.
“As a nation committed to peace and democratic principles, we cannot allow such incidents to go unresolved. It is imperative to investigate these deaths and ensure justice is served for the victims and their families,” the letter stated.
President Mahama urged the police to prioritize the investigations and provide a detailed report on the findings. He emphasized that accountability would strengthen Ghana’s democratic institutions and send a strong message against impunity.
The 2020 and 2024 general elections were marred by incidents of violence in certain areas, leading to the deaths of some individuals. These incidents were widely condemned by civil society groups, political parties, and international observers.
Despite calls for investigations, many of the cases remained unresolved, sparking concerns about the state of justice and accountability in Ghana’s electoral process.
Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, known for his proactive approach to policing, is expected to respond positively to the President’s request. Under his leadership, the Ghana Police Service has undertaken various reforms aimed at improving transparency and public trust.
If investigations are launched, they are likely to involve a multidisciplinary team of police officers, forensic experts, and legal professionals to ensure a credible and impartial process.
President Mahama’s call has been met with mixed reactions from the public and political analysts. While some have praised the move as a step toward justice and accountability, others view it as a politically motivated gesture.
Civil society organizations, including the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) and the Ghana Bar Association, have expressed support for the investigation, urging all stakeholders to cooperate fully to ensure a transparent outcome.
The President’s request underscores the importance of addressing election-related violence to protect the integrity of Ghana’s democratic process. By investigating these deaths, the government aims to build public confidence in the electoral system and ensure that such incidents do not recur in future elections.
As Ghanaians await the IGP’s response, many hope that the investigations will provide the victims’ families with the justice and closure they deserve, while reinforcing the nation’s commitment to peace and democracy.
President Mahama’s calls for an investigation into the election-related deaths from 2020 and 2024 highlights a crucial step toward strengthening Ghana’s democracy. With the support of the Ghana Police Service, civil society, and political stakeholders, this initiative could mark a turning point in ensuring accountability and fostering trust in the electoral process.