Special Investigative Task Force Uncovers 12 Cases of Election-Related Violence in Ghana

The Minister for the Interior, Mr Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has announced that a special investigative task force has identified 12 key cases of violence associated with the 2020 and 2024 general elections in Ghana.

According to the Minister, the task force’s findings cover violent incidents that claimed 15 lives and left more than 40 people injured in seven regions, including Greater Accra, Ashanti, Bono East, Savannah, Northern, Upper East and Upper West.

This revelation forms part of ongoing efforts to address the troubling trend of electoral violence that has marred the nation’s democratic process.

Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday in Accra, Mr Mohammed-Mubarak stated that the task force, inaugurated by the Inspector General of Police on 16 January 2025, was mandated to review incidents of electoral violence leading to fatalities thoroughly.

Presenting the findings, the Minister noted that the majority of these incidents involved the use of firearms during confrontations between supporters of opposing political parties.

He added that many incidents involved security personnel resorting to live ammunition as a means of crowd control, often without proper command or adherence to engagement protocols.

“The use of firearms was not done under the command of a senior officer who could have ensured that appropriate rules of engagement were observed,” the Minister said.

Mr Mohammed-Mubarak emphasised that three of the fatalities stemmed from actions by armed police patrol teams, while military groups were implicated in several others.

He stated, “The investigation has led to the identification of 21 suspects associated with these violent incidents, with some already facing legal proceedings at the High Court.”

The Minister stressed the importance of accountability, stating that the government was committed to prosecuting those responsible for these acts of violence.

“The reports have been forwarded to the Attorney General to facilitate appropriate investigations and ensure that victims’ families receive compensation for their losses,” he added.

He mentioned that the task force called for improvements in crowd-control training for police officers, the provision of appropriate crowd-management gear, and better coordination among security agencies during elections.

“The state should take steps to compensate the families who lost their loved ones as well as those who suffered injuries,” Mr Mubarak stated, highlighting the emotional and financial toll on victims’ families.

The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that those responsible for the violence are held accountable.

“We will continue to work with all stakeholders to strengthen democratic institutions and ensure that elections in the country are peaceful,” he affirmed.

Margaret Adjeley Sowah, ISD