Mahama directs IGP to investigate deaths during 2020 and 2024 elections
President John Dramani Mahama has voiced serious concerns over the lack of justice for individuals who lost their lives during the 2020 and 2024 general elections.
While acknowledging the peaceful conduct of the 2024 elections, President Mahama emphasized the importance of ensuring justice for victims to deter future electoral violence. He expressed fears that a failure to address these cases could foster a culture of impunity.
Calling for action, Mahama urged the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, to investigate the killings from both elections and prosecute those responsible.
Speaking during a special National Muslim prayer and thanksgiving service at the National Mosque in Kanda, Accra, on January 10, Mahama said, “Even though this election passed on peacefully, we must recognise that a few of our citizens lost their lives. My understanding is that almost five of our citizens were killed in the process of the elections. This is not the first time, in 2020 [election], we know that 8 of our citizens were killed.
“If this continues, and justice is not served, and what it does is that it breeds impunity. And that is why we as a party [National Democratic Congress], have said that we must investigate to find out what led to these killings. So that we can take action so that they don’t happen again.”
In view of this, Mr Mahama disclosed that he has instructed his Executive Secretary Callitus Mahama to to write a letter to the IGP to report on the current status of the killings.
“I have asked my Executive Secretary to write to the IGP to give us a report on the status of investigations into these killings. Justice must be done.”
The President also asked the Attorney-General-designate, Dr Dominic Ayine to determine a fair compensation to the families of the deceased when he assumes his position.
“We would also ask the Attorney General when he assumes office to determine a fair and adequate compensation to the families.”
The event brought together prominent leaders, the Chief Imam, the Muslim faithful and the general public to express gratitude and seek divine guidance for the country.
