By Christopher Arko
Accra, Dec. 11 GNA – A Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has urged the Ghana Police Service and all security agencies to intensify their efforts to restore calm, and prosecute the perpetuators the post election lawlessness.
The Coalition also condemned those acts of lawlessness and called for an immediate halt to such activities to preserve the integrity of the 2024 election process and Ghana’s democracy.
“We trust that the Police will remain impartial, uphold the law, and continue to protect the safety and security of all Ghanaians.”
A statement signed on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, by the Coalition which including the Civic Forum Initiative (CFI), the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO), STAR Ghana Foundation and the office of the National Chief Imam.
The group said it met with the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the National Election Security Task Force to express its deep concerns over the pockets of post-election violence, vandalism, and disruptions at collation centres and other places.
These actions have created a tense atmosphere, which threatens the peace and stability that are foundational to Ghana’s democracy, the group said.
The statement said following the meeting, the Coalition engaged with the media to share the outcomes of their discussions with the IGP and the national security task force.
The coalition recognised the efforts of the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Armed Forces in ensuring law and order, as well as their proactive approach to preserving life through de-escalation strategies.
The delegation also acknowledged the arrest of individuals suspected of engaging in acts of lawlessness, including the disruption of collation centers and the destruction of public and private properties, by the Police.
The Coalition also welcomed the interventions by President-elect John Dramani Mahama and the leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) last night in calling for peace, and urging their supporters to refrain from acts of violence and vandalism.
The Coalition also acknowledged similar statements and appeals from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference and various individuals, urging an end to all acts of vandalism and violence
The statement said while the December 7, 2024 election was largely peaceful and reaffirmed Ghana’s reputation as a leading example of democracy in Africa, the post-election period as consistent with previous elections had unfortunately been marked by pockets of violence, vandalism, and unrest.
“At this critical time of a transition, we call on all Ghanaians to remain calm, responsible, and respectful of the rule of law. The peaceful transfer of power is a cornerstone of Ghana’s democracy and must be safeguarded by all of us,” it said.
The Coalition called on every Ghanaian to act in the spirit of peace and unity, adding, Ghana’s strength lies in our commitment to peace, the rule of law, and the peaceful transfer of power.
“As civil society, we will remain committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that Ghana’s democracy remains a beacon of stability and progress in the region,” it said.
GNA