Agnes Ansah
Accra, Dec.09, GNA-The Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) has condemned the pockets of post-election of violence in Ghana.
The COG has called on security authorities to investigate and bring the perpetrators to Justice.
Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Masisi, Chairperson, COG, made the comments at a press conference in Accra on Monday.
“Voting was conducted in a peaceful and orderly environment at most polling stations. However, we are saddened by the reports of violence which resulted in death and injury during these elections.
“The COG condemns this act of violence and calls on the respective authorities to investigate and bring the perpetrators to Justice.” Dr. Masisi said.
However, he agreed Ghana’s election was not the only election characterised by voilence, saying, it had been the situation in many African countries and some parts of the world.
He said the COG had always responded to such incidences by engaging the key stakeholders and same would be done in the Ghanaian situation.
Despite the pockets of violence, Dr. Masisi said Ghana’s election was well conducted right from the pre-election through to the closing and counting of the ballots.
He commended the Vice President, Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia, for conceding defeat on time. “It was essential in de-escalating potential tension,” he said.
He also congratulated the President-Elect, John Dramani Mahama for his re-election as the incoming president of Ghana.
He applauded the political parties’ commitment to peace at the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC).
He also commended polling officials for opening polls on time and for following the laid down procedure.
He again commended the participation of women, People With Disabilities (PWDs) and political party agents and the Media for their participation.
The COG led by Dr.Masisi was made up of 16 eminent person’s drawn from across thirteen Commonwealth member countries, representing the five regions of the Commonwealth.
GNA