By Iddi Yire
Accra, Jan 10, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama has requested the office of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to initiate immediate investigations into the tragic deaths of Ghanaian citizens during the 2020/2024 general election.
Dr Callistus Mahama, the Executive Secretary to the President, in a letter addressed to the IGP, said those incidents, which occurred in various parts of the country, had left a lasting scar on the nation’s democratic process.
It was, thus, imperative that justice was served for the victims and their families, it said.
To ensure the investigations were comprehensive and transparent, government proposed the stablishment of a Dedicated Investigative Taskforce within the CID to focus solely on those cases, ensuring undivided attention and efficient handling of the matter.
The letter mentioned Collaboration with Witnesses and Families: Conduct thorough interviews with eyewitnesses, victims’ families, and other relevant individuals who may provide crucial information.
Others are the Review of Electoral Security Arrangements to investigate the role and actions of security personnel deployed at the affected polling stations to determine their involvement or oversight.
The rest are Use of Forensic Evidenceto analyze any physical evidence from the crime scenes, including bullet casings, weaponry, and other materials.
Furthermore, Collaboration with Electoral and Civic Bodies to review reports from the 2020 and 2024 elections for additional context.
To maintain public trust and ensure transparency, the letterrequested periodic updates on the progress of the investigation.
“This would help to keep stakeholders informed and assure the public of your commitment to uncovering the truth.”
“We are confident in the competence and professionalism of the Criminal Investigations Department and trust that your efforts will yield the necessary results to bring justice to the victims and their families while preserving the integrity of Ghana’s democratic process,” it said.
“We assure you of the utmost support should you require any additional support or information from us.”
GNA