December 14, 2023: Ofoase Ayirebi MP Calls for Public Inquiry into Election Violence
Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Member of Parliament for Ofoase Ayirebi, has urged the government to launch a public inquiry into the breakdown of law and order at several collation centers during the 2024 general elections. His call comes in response to widespread reports of violence, disruptions, and allegations of electoral malpractice in various parts of the country.
What Sparked the Call for an Inquiry?
During a parliamentary session on Thursday, Oppong Nkrumah, who previously served as Minister for Works and Housing, emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to uncover the root causes of the disturbances. He stressed that such an inquiry is essential to prevent similar incidents in future elections, particularly as Ghana prepares for the 2028 polls.
Oppong Nkrumah argued that holding individuals accountable for inciting violence or undermining the electoral process is critical. He believes a public inquiry would not only clarify what happened but also serve as a deterrent against future misconduct.
Key Points from Oppong Nkrumah’s Address
- Accountability: Those responsible for violence or electoral malpractice must face consequences.
- Enhanced Security: Improved measures are needed to protect election officials, security personnel, and public institutions during elections.
- Preventive Measures: Lessons from the inquiry should inform reforms to safeguard future electoral processes.
“Mr. Speaker, in addition to the leaders’ call to send a resolution to the executive branch, my prayer is that this resolution includes a request for a proper public inquiry into the conditions under which law and order broke down at numerous collation centers,” Oppong Nkrumah stated.
Incidents of Violence During the 2024 Elections
While the 2024 elections were largely peaceful, some constituencies experienced significant disruptions. Disputes over election results led to physical confrontations, vandalism, and attacks on electoral officials and security personnel. Political parties and candidates in affected areas alleged irregularities in the collation of votes, further escalating tensions.
Observers Raise Concerns
Civil society groups and international monitoring bodies also expressed concerns about the incidents, calling on authorities to strengthen measures that protect the integrity of Ghana’s electoral process. Their reports highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability to maintain public trust in the democratic system.
What’s Next?
The growing demand for a public inquiry could lead to critical electoral reforms ahead of the 2028 elections. By addressing the root causes of the violence and implementing stronger safeguards, Ghana can reinforce its commitment to free, fair, and peaceful elections.
Oppong Nkrumah’s appeal underscores the importance of learning from past challenges to build a more resilient democratic process for the future.
Stay tuned for updates as this call for accountability gains traction and shapes the conversation around electoral reforms in Ghana.