National Security Minister, Albert Kan Dapaah has revealed that a total of 32 politically motivated violence were recorded in 5 constituencies during the 2020 presidential and parliamentary election. 

According to him, one of the emerging security threats to the stability and unity of the country is localized electoral violence, which he says if not address could reverse democratic gains achieved over the years.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of a 3-day national stakeholders dialogue on the theme, “Countering post-2020 election violence and building consensus for greater political tolerance”, Mr. Kan Dapaah charged political actors to work in harmony in creating a secured environment for all.

“I believe the government of the day will be challenged in achieving this level of collaboration without the support and without the involvement of the population. Government must collaborate and partner with independent and institutional independent bodies and civil society organisations.”

“This I believe should be the approach for achieving a national agenda that enhances national consciousness and also safeguard national unity,” he added.

The Interior Minister, Ambrose Derry on his part observed that government has asked the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service to expedite its investigations into the electoral violence insisting that government would not relent in its effort in bringing perpetrators to book.

“We consider the loss of one life too many and the injury of any person too many. This incident, unfortunately, resulted in the loss of lives of six Ghanaians. This should not happen in our country at this stage of our democracy. Government will not relent in its effort in prosecuting persons involved in the act.” 

In the same vein, Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah charged the stakeholders to fashion out mechanisms to deal with suspicions during elections.

He insists this triggers huge mistrust amongst political actors which leads to electoral violence.