CODEO, CDD-Ghana engages IGP and Security Task Force on post-election violence

A Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), including the Civic Forum Initiative (CFI), CODEO, STAR Ghana Foundation, IDEG, CDD-Ghana, and the Office of the National Chief Imam, met with the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the National Election Security Task Force on December 11, 2024.

The meeting aimed to address growing concerns about post-election violence, vandalism, and disruptions at collation centers following Ghana’s 2024 general election.

The CSOs expressed alarm over these incidents, emphasizing their threat to Ghana’s democratic stability and peace.

In a subsequent media briefing, the CSOs commended the Ghana Police Service and the Armed Forces for their proactive measures in de-escalating tensions and maintaining law and order.

The coalition also acknowledged police efforts in apprehending individuals involved in violence, including those disrupting collation centers and damaging property.

Furthermore, they welcomed calls for peace from President-elect John Dramani Mahama, NDC leadership, and other influential voices, including the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, urging an immediate cessation of violence.

While the elections were largely peaceful, the coalition condemned the post-election unrest, calling for intensified efforts by security agencies to restore calm and ensure accountability.

They urged Ghanaians to uphold the rule of law and embrace the spirit of unity during this transitional period, reiterating that a peaceful transfer of power is a cornerstone of Ghana’s democracy.

PRESS RELEASE

CSOs Engage with IGP and National Election Security TaskForce on Post-Election Violence and Disruptions, Call on all Citizens to be Law Abiding

On Wednesday, 11th December 2024, a coalition of civil society organizations (CSOs), including the Civic Forum Initiative (CFI), the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers(CODEO), STAR Ghana Foundation, Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) and the Office of the National Chief Imam, met with the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the National Election Security Task Force.

The purpose of the meeting was to express CSO’s deep concern over the pockets of post-election violence, vandalism, and disruptions at collation centers that have followed the declaration of results in Ghana’s 2024 general election.

These actions have created a tense atmosphere, which threatens the peace and stability that are foundational to Ghana’s democracy. 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 recognized 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 actions taken by the police in arresting individuals suspected of being involved in acts of lawlessness, including the disruption of collation centers and the destruction of public and private property.

The Coalition also welcomes the interventions from 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 acknowledges similar statements and appeals from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference and various individuals, urging an end to all acts of vandalism and violence While the 7th December 2024 election was largely peaceful and reaffirmed Ghana’s reputation as a leading example of democracy in Africa, the post-election period as 2 consistent with previous elections has unfortunately been marked by pockets of violence, vandalism, and unrest. The Coalition condemns these acts of lawlessness and joins others to call for an immediate halt to such activities to prevent any damage to the integrity of the 2024 election process and Ghana’s democracy.

The Coalition urges the Ghana Police Service and all security agencies to continue their hard work, intensify their efforts to restore calm, and ensure that those responsible for these acts of lawlessness are held accountable. We trust that the police will remain impartial, uphold the law, and continue to protect the safety and security of all Ghanaians. 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. We call on every Ghanaian to act in the spirit of peace and unity. 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.