2024 election ‘most violent and deadliest’ in 4th Republic – WACCE report

The West Africa Centre for Counter-Extremism (WACCE) has strongly condemned the violence that marred Ghana's 2024 presidential and parliamentary election, describing it as one of the most violent and deadliest in the Fourth Republic.. In its preliminary post-election report, WACCE highlighted multiple incidents of violence, including gunshots and arson, resulting in six deaths.

The report observed that while the voting process was largely peaceful, the counting and declaration stages were severely disrupted by needless violence. This, according to WACCE, undermined the integrity of the 2024 election.

Whilst we consider the election process as an electoral success, it is burdened with a disastrous security outcome with the needless violence and death of six. This is especially concerning given the lessons of the 2020 elections, in which eight deaths were recorded.

WACCE commended Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia for his early concession of defeat, describing it as pivotal in easing tensions and averting further violence.

By the early concession, Ghana averted potential violence resulting from undue tensions, misinformation, and conjectures, as is typical of critical election outcomes.

The report detailed incidents resulting in the unfortunate deaths:

1. Tolon Constituency: On 7 December 2024, Haruna Shaibu, a 31-year-old steel bender, was shot and killed at the Nyankpala Lorry Station.

2. Damongo Constituency: A 35-year-old man died from a stray bullet during collation.

3. Awutu Senya East Constituency: A shooting incident on 7 December 2024 claimed one life.

4. Ahafo Ano South West Constituency: Kwasi Nimo, 33, died from gunshot wounds after a confrontation at the Electoral Commission office in Mankraso.

5. Offinso North: A looting-related confrontation led to one fatal stabbing and another person dying later from gunshot wounds.

6. Nsawam Adoagyiri Constituency: A shooting incident occurred at the collation centre on 8 December, though no casualties were reported.

WACCE's report underscores the urgent need for reforms to prevent future election-related violence.

Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has instructed the Inspector General of Police, who also serves as the Chairman of the National Election Security Taskforce, Dr George Akuffo Dampare, to initiate an immediate investigation into the 2020 and 2024 election-related killings.

In a letter dated 10th January 2025 addressed to Dr Dampare, the President’s secretary, Dr Callistus Mahama, highlighted that these tragic fatalities remain a scar on the nation’s democracy, stressing the urgent need for investigation and justice for the victims and their families.

WACCE Security Report on Election 2024 - PESIA by Andreas Kamasah on Scribd

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