A former Commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Justice Emile Short, has called for the immediate prosecution of those responsible for the violence and killings that characterized the 2020 general elections.

Speaking at the West Africa Policy Dialogue series, Emile Short stressed the importance of prosecuting individuals involved in violent incidents, particularly those implicated in the deaths of some Ghanaians.

“As we prepare for the 2024 general elections, we must seek to address the challenges that threatened the credibility of the elections.

“To ensure peace in 2024 elections, I call for the prosecution of the perpetrators of the killings during the 2020 elections,” he appealed.

He argued that the failure to hold perpetrators accountable undermines public trust in the democratic process and could encourage further violence in future elections.

However, he noted that punishing them would “serve as an assurance to the electorate so that they would not resort to violence when confronted by opponents.”

He also called for the full implementation of the recommendations by the committee that investigated the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election violence.

Additionally, Justice Short called on the Electoral Commission to enhance public trust by being transparent, reinforcing their dedication to free and fair elections, and maintaining independence in fulfilling their duties.

Again, he urged political parties to permit the justice system to take firm action against members involved in wrongdoing.

Meanwhile, the Wenchi High Court has ruled that the state compensate six individuals with GH₵45,000 each for injuries sustained during a shooting incident at the Techiman South Collation Centre during the 2020 general election.

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The shooting occurred before Martin Adjei Mensah Korsah was declared a Member of Parliament, resulting in two deaths and several injuries.

The plaintiffs claimed their right to life was violated, while the state argued the shots were meant as warnings.

While the plaintiffs initially sought more substantial compensation—GH₵5 million for the lead plaintiff and GH₵2 million for each of the other five—the court did not grant these amounts.

The judge stated that the evidence presented was insufficient to justify the higher compensation sought, ultimately awarding GH₵45,000 to each of the six plaintiffs.