President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has called on the Ghana Police Service to reassess and enhance its protocols to prevent and mitigate incidents of prolonged post-election violence.
The President’s appeal follows reports of violence after the 2024 general elections, including the vandalism of public property and destruction of Electoral Commission (EC) offices and materials, allegedly carried out by supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Expressing deep concern over these events, President Akufo-Addo highlighted the detrimental effects of such acts on Ghana’s democratic integrity. He urged the Police to take proactive steps to ensure peace and order in future elections, preserving the nation’s democratic credentials and stability.
Speaking at the launch of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana’s (PCG) Bicentennial Anniversary on December 22, 2024, at the Osu Castle, the President underscored the importance of maintaining national cohesion during and after electoral processes.
“Violence and destruction undermine our democracy and erode the trust citizens place in our electoral systems. The Ghana Police Service must enhance its preparedness and adopt measures to prevent a recurrence of these incidents,” President Akufo-Addo stated.
The President also emphasized the need for a collaborative approach among all stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organizations, and security agencies, to address election-related grievances through peaceful and lawful means.
“I commended the security service, especially the police for the effective monitoring of the elections which ensured a peaceful nature. But I would like to ask the leadership of the police to review its practices that allow post-electoral violence to linger for too long before it’s brought under control.”
The President underscored the importance of Ghanaians protecting the nation’s peace and stability.
“As a nation, we must be resolute in our commitment to safeguarding peace, stability and democratic values that we have worked so hard to establish.”
