President John Dramani Mahama has pledged justice for victims of electoral violence, revealing that Attorney General Dominic Ayine is drafting a proposal to provide compensation to those affected.

Speaking at the Post-2024 Elections Evaluation Dialogue, held in Koforidua on Friday, July 4, President Mahama stated, “I requested that the IGP expedite investigations into these acts of electoral violence and bring perpetrators to justice.

"The IGP is also working on a report to be presented to Cabinet for adequate compensation to be paid to victims and relatives of those affected by the violence.”

He condemned all acts of violence that occurred during the election period, stressing the need for accountability.

“Let me use this platform to unequivocally condemn these acts of violence and call for swift accountability for the perpetrators,” he said.

Reflecting on the 2024 general elections, Mahama praised Ghana’s democratic resilience but acknowledged the flaws in the process.

“Elections are by nature high stake events. They are a contest of ideas and ideologies, often influenced by deeply held convictions and competing visions for national development,” he said.

“While Ghana once again demonstrated its democratic resilience in the 2024 elections... we cannot ignore that the process was marred by isolated acts of violence in some constituencies.”

The President reaffirmed his commitment to constitutional reform. “Let me stand and assure you that I will do everything in my strength and my power to ensure that the recommendations of the National Constitutional Review Committee are implemented,” he said.

He also recognised the collective role of key institutions in safeguarding the electoral process.

“Let me take this opportunity to commend the Electoral Commission, our security services, civil society organisations, political parties and the electorate for their collective role in ensuring that Ghana’s democratic credentials remain intact after the 2024 election,” he said.

Meanwhile, the National Peace Council used the same platform to push for wide-ranging constitutional reforms. Chairman Most Rev. Emmanuel Fianu called for a reduction in presidential powers, particularly over appointments.

“One, reform the appointing authority and power of the executive president,” he said.

“For example, the appointment of the chief justice, the appointment process of the Council of State, the appointment of the inspector general of police, appointment of metropolitan, municipal, and district chief executives, etc.”

He further called for stronger safeguards around the Electoral Commission. “Reduce the influence of the president in the partisan appointment of the chairperson of the Electoral Commission,” he said.

“The Electoral Commission is appointed on the advice of the Council of State. This advice must be applied perfect and the eligibility criteria should be complex and robust and enhance the independence and credibility of the Electoral Commission.”

Rev. Fianu urged action on constitutional reform saying, “The moment to review the 1992 Constitution is now. We have made two attempts. We need strong political will to implement the recommendations that will come out of the current Constitutional Review Committee to help us cure the challenges of the 1992 constitution.”