Accra, July 30, GNA – The Christian Council of Ghana (CCG) says perpetrators of past and present electoral violence’s should be penalised as part of measures to end the brutalities. Â
This was contained in a statement signed by Rev. Dr. Lt. Col. Bliss D. K. Agbeko (Rtd), Chairman, CCG, and Rev. Dr. Cyril G. K. Fayose, General Secretary, CCG on Monday.
“Perpetrators of electoral violence, past and present, must be identified, arrested, and prosecuted without fear or favour. Justice must be seen to be done to restore public confidence and deter future violations,” the statement said.
Aside prosecuting perpetrators, the CCG also urged the Joint Security Task Force to adopt a proactive, coordinated approach to election security, noting that Ghanaians deserved to vote freely and safely, without fear, intimidation, or harm.
Additionally, the CCG called on the government to provide appropriate compensation and support to the families of those who were killed or injured during the violence.
The CCG also proposed the erection of a national memorial in front of Parliament House, bearing the inscription: “Martyrs of Democracy – Never Again!” as a lasting reminder of the cost of political conflict and the importance of peace.
The CCGs proposals was a reaction to electoral violence that marred the rerun of elections in 19 polling stations in the Ablekuma North constituency as well as some death and injuries recorded in both the 2020 and 2024 elections.
The CCG underscored the need for such measures to be put in place, stating that electoral violence, regardless of who was in power or which party was involved was a direct attack on the foundations of democracy since it erodes public trust, undermines institutions, and threatens the peace Ghanaians cherish.
The CGC said that, “If impunity is allowed to fester, it will only deepen public suspicion that democratic institutions are compromised and that acts of violence are tolerated by those in authority.”
The CCG called on the government, political parties, security agencies, civil society, faith-based organizations, and the public to come together to protect Ghana’s democracy and uphold the rule of law, adding that “Ghana belongs to all of us. Let us not allow partisan interests to destroy the peace, unity, and democratic values we have worked hard to build. ”
Meanwhile, the CCG has commend President John Dramani Mahama for referring a report on electoral violence to the Attorney-General for legal review but urged him to make the report public and ensure all those responsible were held accountable.
GNA
Edited by Samuel Osei-Frempong