The Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has called for investigations into unresolved cases of electoral violence recorded during Ghana's 2020 and 2024 general elections, arguing that the country cannot achieve lasting peace without justice for victims and accountability for perpetrators.

Speaking to the media at an inter-party dialogue organised by the National Peace Council in Accra, CDD-Ghana Programmes Manager for Security Sector Governance and Local and Urban Governance, Paul Kwabena Aborampah, said families affected by electoral violence continue to live with the pain and trauma of losing their loved ones.

He warned that memories of the incidents are often revived during subsequent election periods, creating the risk of retaliation.

"You can't have peace without justice, and people whose relatives have been affected are still in the system. They probably know people who committed the crime, so anytime there are elections, it seems to ginger them to retaliate," he said.

Lessons from National Reconciliation

Mr Aborampah cited Ghana's post-military regime national reconciliation process as an example of how allowing victims to tell their stories can contribute to healing, even where financial compensation is not provided.

"As Ghana had national reconciliation post-military regime era, people were not compensated but having opportunity to tell their story, they were satisfied. So we believe conducting these investigations and bringing the perpetrators to book, even if we don't extract any compensation for the family, they will be okay telling their stories," he said.

Background on Electoral Violence

The call comes amid ongoing efforts to address the troubling trend of electoral violence that has marred Ghana's democratic process. A special investigative task force established by the Inspector General of Police identified 12 key cases of violence associated with the 2020 and 2024 general elections, which claimed 15 lives and left more than 40 people injured across seven regions.

The affected regions include Greater Accra, Ashanti, Bono East, Savannah, Northern, Upper East and Upper West.

The investigation found that the majority of these incidents involved the use of firearms during confrontations between supporters of opposing political parties. In some cases, security personnel resorted to live ammunition as a means of crowd control, often without proper command or adherence to engagement protocols.

Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak has confirmed that 21 suspects have been identified in connection with the violence, with four currently on police bail, five remanded into prison custody, and arrest warrants issued for the remaining individuals. Four cases are currently before the courts, with others under investigation or at the Attorney General's office for advice.

Concerns Over Political Friction

Mr Aborampah also expressed concern over what he described as unending political friction, warning that tensions are increasingly extending beyond election periods.

According to him, persistent political attacks and personal criticisms risk diverting attention from national development and efforts to improve citizens' livelihoods.

"We are witnessing unending political frictions which, of course, is dangerous for us. It stalls governance, redirects attention and focus. While citizens are talking about development trajectory and peace, suggesting alternatives for the improvement of livelihoods, we will be concentrating on personal assassination, attacks and criticisms," he added.

Path Forward

CDD-Ghana has indicated that investigating the unresolved cases and holding perpetrators accountable would help address grievances and strengthen public confidence in Ghana's democratic processes.

The government has already committed to compensating bereaved families and victims of the electoral violence, with the Interior Minister stating that the State would assume responsibility where conclusive evidence could not be established against any specific individual or group.

The Ministry has also pledged to implement recommendations from the task force report, including improved crowd-control training for police officers, better coordination among security agencies, and sustained education for political party executives and stakeholders on the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019 (Act 999).