President Akufo-Addo Calls On Police To Review Their Practices To Prevent Prolonged Post-election Violence
- Dec 22, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 14, 2025
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has urged the Ghana Police Service to reevaluate its protocols to effectively address and prevent extended post-electoral violence following the 2024 general elections.
This call comes in the wake of reported incidents of violence, 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).
Speaking at the launch of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana’s Bicentennial Anniversary on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at the Osu Castle, President Akufo-Addo expressed grave concern over these acts of violence and their impact on the country’s democratic integrity.
The President commended the Ghana Police Service for their role in ensuring a peaceful election but emphasized the need to refine strategies to prevent violence in its aftermath.
“I commend the security service, especially the police, for the effective monitoring of the elections, which ensured a peaceful nature. However, I urge the leadership of the police to review its practices that allow post-electoral violence to linger for too long before being brought under control.”
He stressed the importance of national unity and the preservation of democratic values, urging Ghanaians to prioritize peace and stability amidst political tensions.
“As a nation, we must be resolute in our commitment to safeguarding peace, stability, and the democratic values we have worked so hard to establish.”
The President highlighted the detrimental effects of post-electoral violence on Ghana’s democratic image and called for swift and decisive actions to mitigate future incidents.
The 2024 elections, while largely peaceful, were marred by isolated outbreaks of unrest, with significant attention drawn to acts of vandalism targeting EC properties. These incidents have raised questions about the adequacy of security measures and the ability to maintain order during critical political transitions.
President Akufo-Addo’s remarks serve as a call to action for not only the police but also political leaders, civil society, and citizens to work collectively in promoting a culture of peace and mutual respect, even in moments of political disagreement.
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