Security consultant and risk analyst Prof. Emmanuel Kwesi Aning has noted that Ghanaians have historically viewed violence as an acceptable tactic during elections.
In an interview on Channel One TV’s Point of View program, which focused on “Building Trust for a Credible and Peaceful Election 2024,” Prof. Aning emphasized that despite Ghana’s preparation for its ninth general election, there persists a belief that individuals can commit electoral misconduct without facing repercussions.
He attributed this mindset to patterns observed in past elections, including the fatalities from the 2020 polls.
“We are voting in our ninth election, yet each election since 1992 has become increasingly violent, and we seem unwilling or unprepared to retreat from this trend,” Prof. Aning said.
He added, “My colleagues and I have shown a strong correlation between the threat and use of violence and the success of a party in power.
Over time, violence has been seen as a ‘credible currency’ in elections. If we examine acts of violence, threats, and intimidation, it reflects the disturbing reality of the 2020 elections where either seven or eight people lost their lives.”
Prof. Aning concluded by asserting that those who engage in such behavior will be held accountable by history.
“My stance is that misbehavior will be recorded by history, and those responsible will face consequences at the appropriate time.”
