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Lobbyist OccupyGhana is demanding investigations into alleged deaths and election-related violence in Ghana.
He made the call in a statement, saying he was “seriously disappointed, deeply shocked and extremely alarmed by the incidents and the increase in electoral violence, which has allegedly resulted in the deaths of some Ghanaians.”
“We strongly condemn these acts of violence and demand a full investigation into them, and the arrest and prosecution of those involved,” he said.
“We regret that similar acts of electoral violence or other politically inspired violence in the past have not led to any prosecution, which may have contributed to creating a culture of impunity, in which people believe they can get away with it. These do not speak well of a peace-loving country like ours, which is building an enviable credential in the electoral processes in Africa.
Below is the full statement
OccupyGhana®️ congratulates Ghanaians on the successful completion of a historic eighth consecutive round of general elections under the Fourth Republican Constitution.
However, we are deeply disappointed, deeply shocked and extremely alarmed by the incidents and the increase in electoral violence, which has reportedly resulted in the deaths of some Ghanaians. We strongly condemn these acts of violence and demand a thorough investigation into them, and the arrest and prosecution of those involved.
We regret that similar acts of electoral or other political violence in the past have not led to any prosecution, which may have contributed to a culture of impunity, in which people have believed that they can get away with it. These do not speak well of a peace-loving country like ours, which is building an enviable credential in the electoral processes in Africa. In our still fragile democracy, we must unanimously oppose anyone who asks for or engages in acts of violence.
It is even more regrettable when our security agencies unleash this violence. We urge law enforcement to exercise the highest levels of restraint in dealing with the public. Brutality and the unwarranted use of deadly force against those they are sworn to protect is unacceptable and criminal.
We have also seen around the world the devastation caused when violence breaks out through provocative, thoughtless and irresponsible statements made by politicians to their supporters. However, when violence occurs, these politicians and their families are nowhere to be found. That is why we must reject instructions from political leaders to engage in any social unrest or violence while their children are sitting comfortably at home safely. We cannot allow these to spread in Ghana.
Therefore, we ask all stakeholders in our electoral process and security agencies to engage with the political parties involved to prevent further violent incidents or deaths. We have been and continue to be a peaceful people. We do not tolerate violence and we must oppose all those who, out of personal ambition, seek to drag this country into the abyss.
We call on the leaders of all political parties to calm their respective supporters, condemn the violence and speak of peace to the people of Ghana. There is no conceivable electoral dispute or disagreement that cannot be resolved in the cold calm of the courts of this land.
At the service of God and the Homeland.
— DGN online
