The Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG) and the Civic Forum Initiative (CFI) have called on the Inspector-General of Police and the Attorney-General to arrest and prosecute perpetrators of assault during the Ablekuma North re-run election.
In a joint statement signed by Kwesi Jonah, Head of Advocacy and Institutional Relations at IDEG, and Dr Angela Dwamena-Aboagye, Chairperson of CFI, the organisations said prosecution would deter electoral violence and uphold the rule of law.
They expressed grave concern over violent incidents recorded at 19 polling stations in the Ablekuma North Constituency, citing disturbing video evidence of physical assaults on journalists, voters, and a former Member of Parliament.
“These incidents reflect a dangerous pattern of electoral violence and impunity that continues to threaten the integrity of Ghana’s democratic process. Elections must be peaceful expressions of the people’s will, not battlegrounds for political intimidation and fear,” the statement said.
Referencing past incidents in Ayawaso West Wuogon, Tolon, and Ahafo Ano South West, the CSOs attributed the recurrence of violence to political inertia in holding perpetrators accountable.
They called for bold measures to eliminate violent political tactics and vigilantism and urged the National Elections Security Task Force to adopt a proactive and preventative approach ahead of the Akwatia by-election.
The statement urged civil society organisations to engage major political parties to break the cycle of electoral violence.
It advocated constitutional and institutional reforms, along with media-police collaboration, to restore public confidence in Ghana’s electoral and law enforcement systems.
IDEG and CFI also empathised with victims of political violence and reaffirmed their commitment to promoting a peaceful, inclusive, and accountable democratic culture.
