Interior Ministry Reveals Report on 2020 and 2024 Election Violence
The Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has presented a comprehensive report on the outcome of the investigation into the 2020 and 2024 election violence that resulted in 15 deaths and 40 injuries across the country. The report identifies 21 suspects linked to the violence, with four on bail, five in prison custody, and warrants issued for the arrest of the remaining suspects.
Investigation Findings
The Special Investigation Task Force, inaugurated by the Inspector-General of Police on January 16, 2025, investigated 12 major cases of election-related violence. The report highlights instances of police and military personnel using live ammunition, resulting in deaths and injuries. Specifically:
Police Use of Live Ammunition: Three incidents resulting in four deaths were linked to armed police patrol teams.
Military Involvement: Three cases resulting in three deaths involved military personnel intervening to restore calm.
Party Enthusiasts: Four incidents resulting in five deaths were attributed to party enthusiasts resorting to gunfire.
Recommendations
The report recommends measures to prevent future occurrences, including:
Police Orientation: Regular orientation programs to discourage the use of lethal force in crowd control.
Non-Lethal Equipment: Provision of non-lethal crowd control equipment to security services.
Capacity Building: Training for election security management, focusing on improved coordination between police and military.
Government’s Commitment
The government, under President John Dramani Mahama’s leadership, is committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability for those responsible for the violence. The report has been forwarded to the Attorney General’s office for further action and prosecutions. Compensation will be paid to the families of the deceased and injured persons.
Cases and Recommendations
The report highlights 12 specific cases, including:
Techiman South Constituency: Two deaths and nine injuries were reported. The Task Force recommended compensation for the families of the deceased and the injured.
Odododiodio Constituency: Two deaths and 15 injuries were reported. The Task Force recommended monetary compensation for the families of the deceased.
Ablekuma Central Constituency: One death and four injuries were reported. The Task Force recommended compensation for the family of the deceased and the injured.
Conclusion
The government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability for those responsible for the violence is evident in the report’s recommendations. The payment of compensation to the families of the deceased and injured persons is a step towards healing and reconciliation. The report serves as a reminder of the need for improved crowd control measures and the importance of upholding human rights during elections.
