KEY POINTS
- New task force set to probe elections-related deaths.
- Collaboration with the Electoral Commission to review past reports.
- Transparency prioritized to ensure justice and public accountability.
The Ghanaian presidency has launched a decisive step toward accountability by directing the Inspector-General of Police to investigate the deaths of eight citizens during the 2020 and 2024 general elections.
The probe seeks to bring out the truth in the incidents, as is evidence of the support for justice and democracy in the country.
IGP to undertake an extensive probe
In a letter dated January 10, 2025, Dr. Callistus Mahama, Secretary to the President, instructed the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, to prioritize an in-depth investigation into the fatalities.
The directive shows the government is committed to making sure that the circumstances under which these people died are investigated.
In this regard, a Criminal Investigations Department (CID) special task force has been developed to address this issue.
According to Graphic Online, the task force will conduct interviews with eyewitnesses, consult the families of the victims, and employ forensic methods to analyze critical evidence, including bullet casings and weaponry.
Key stakeholders are in collaboration
The directive also provides for cooperation with the Electoral Commission and civil society organizations in order to provide more information through the analysis of the previous election records.
Similarly, this integrated approach is aimed at capturing all important factors that led to these disasters.
Transparency continues to be a priority of the inquiry. Furthermore, the presidency has asked for periodic briefings on the status of the inquiry in order to show the public that justice will be done.
Presidency stressed the importance of justice
In a statement accompanying the directive, the Office of the President emphasized the need for accountability and fairness, stating: It is time to get the response for these deaths and justice must be done. The efficacy of our democracy requires it.”
In addition, this is a great step toward reducing the menace of electoral violence in Ghana as well as strengthening the faith of the public in the nation’s democracy.
