The Minister of Interior, Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka, has directed the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, to start prosecuting individuals who engaged in violence in the 2020 and 2024 elections.
According to him, the government does not condone violence in any form; hence, the Ghana Police Service (GPS) needs to work hard to deal with electoral violence in the country.
He reminded the IGP of the upcoming Akwatia by-election and the need to put proactive measures in place to detect any violence that may rear its ugly head.
“I take this opportunity to remind you of the electoral violence in 2020 and 2024. I have seen the report, and our expectation is nothing short of swift prosecution.
“I also encourage you to collaborate with the Attorney-General’s Department and begin swift prosecution. The government and the party are solidly behind you,” he said.
“Ghana has enjoyed relatively peaceful elections since 1992. However, the recent violence in the Ablekuma North elections exposes certain weaknesses that we must address. You and your team must go through all the evidence at your disposal and deal with those involved. Don’t spare anyone.”
Mr Muntaka made the call at the 17th Regional Commanders Conference at the National Police Headquarters in Accra on Friday, July 18.
In his recent “Government Accountability Series,” Mr Muntaka revealed that the IGP had formally submitted comprehensive reports on the violent incidents that marred Ghana’s general elections in 2020 and 2024.
According to the Interior Minister, the report marks a major step forward in the government’s efforts to address electoral violence and restore confidence in the country’s democratic process.
The 17th Regional Commanders Conference was meant to review operational strategies and service performance, assessing the progress of the service and collectively addressing challenges in fulfilling the police’s constitutional mandate.
The forum is used to plan how to reinforce the country’s security framework to strengthen public trust, promote peace and stability.
In his address, the IGP reinforced the police service’s willingness to fight all forms of crime.
During his short term in office, Mr Yohuno said the administration had been able to chalk up some successes, including the galamsey fight.
“Notable hotspots such as Samreboi and surrounding communities have witnessed high-impact interventions by the police, with similar clampdowns reported in the Ashanti, Eastern, Western, Central, and Upper West Regions. There have been 59 suspects and 23 standing trial currently in Samreboi, as well as the retrieval of 106 excavators.
“All these efforts are not solely about enforcement; they aim to safeguard the environment, protect public health, and ensure that our children inherit a sustainable future.
On the Ablekuman North electoral violence, Mr Yohuno said the service had taken swift action against the erring officer, who was currently facing internal disciplinary action.
“We have begun processes to address concerns of delayed promotions, ensuring that every officer’s hard work and sacrifice is duly recognised as well as lifted all arbitrary interdictions,” he stated.
He added that the administration had already put plans in place to ensure that the Akwatia by-election is peaceful.
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