Editorial: Post-Election Violence Is Not The Way To Go

The Ghana Police Service has recovered a stolen pickup truck belonging to Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, the Member of Parliament for Ablekuma West. The vehicle was among the items taken after unknown individuals broke into her office on December 9, 2024 during widespread unrest, following the December 7 elections. So far, over 123 suspects have been arrested in connection with post-election violence.

At a press briefing on Thursday, December 12, 2024 the Director of Public Affairs of the Ghana Police Service, ACP Grace Ansah-Akrofi, assured the public of ongoing intensified efforts to restore law and order. ACP Grace Ansah-Akrofi said “through an intelligence-led operation, we have been able to recover the stolen Nissan Pickup vehicle belonging to Ursula Owusu-Ekuful. The vehicle was stolen from her office on Monday, December 9, 2024. The vehicle is now in the custody of the Dansoman Police. We are continuing our efforts to get the perpetrators behind this arrested.”

The aftermath of the December 7, 2024 elections has exposed a troubling pattern of post-election violence that threatens the country’s reputation as a bastion of democratic stability in West Africa.

The widespread unrest, culminating in over 100 arrests and incidents of theft and vandalism, reflects a grave disregard for the principles of law and order. Among these disturbing acts was the theft of a pickup truck belonging to the Member of Parliament for Ablekuma West. While the Ghana Police Service’s recovery of the stolen vehicle is commendable, the broader disturbances demand a comprehensive response that ensures justice and deters future misconduct.

Elections should be celebrated as a peaceful transition of power or affirmation of leadership, not a pretext for lawlessness. The violent outbursts, destruction of property and general chaos following the polls are a betrayal of Ghana’s democratic ethos.

The police have shown commendable resolve in addressing these disturbances. Such decisive action is necessary to reassure citizens that no one is above the law. However, arrests alone will not suffice. It is imperative that all suspects found culpable face swift and severe consequences within the framework of the law. Justice must be served in a transparent manner to uphold public trust in the judicial system and to signal that impunity will not be tolerated.

This post-election violence also highlights the vulnerabilities in safeguarding lives and property during critical periods such as elections. A nation’s democratic process should never be marred by such breaches of security.

We must also take a broader view of the issue. While law enforcement is essential, it is equally critical to address the root causes of post-election violence. Political leaders bear a significant responsibility in this regard.

They must lead by example, refraining from rhetoric or actions that could incite their supporters. Political parties should educate their members on the importance of peaceful engagement and the severe consequences of engaging in unlawful behavior.

In addition, civic education must play a central role in Ghana’s democracy. Citizens must be reminded of their rights and responsibilities, including the necessity of resolving grievances through lawful and constructive channels. Conflict resolution mechanisms must be strengthened to mitigate tensions during and after elections, fostering dialogue and understanding among all stakeholders.

The responsibility to protect our democratic legacy lies with every citizen. Let this serve as a call to action for all Ghanaians to reject violence and embrace peace, ensuring that the nation’s elections remain a symbol of unity and progress rather than division and chaos.

Those who disrupt this process must face the full weight of the law, for democracy thrives only when peace and accountability prevail.

The post Editorial: Post-Election Violence Is Not The Way To Go appeared first on The Ghanaian Chronicle.

Read Full Story