“Arrest and prosecute election violence offenders” – Richard Kimadoe reiterates

Security Consultant Richard Kimadoe has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of individuals involved in politically motivated violence and disturbances, emphasizing that such actions are critical to curbing recurring cycles of violence in Ghana.

Speaking on ABC News Ghana, Kimadoe declared, “Get them arrested and prosecute them. Until we are able to do that, these circles of attacks and violence will continue.”

He expressed dismay over the destruction of public property and the increasing tension, warning of potential physical confrontations if the trend is not halted.

“Today, we are talking about plaques and statues being cut down. Tomorrow, it’s going to be physical where we will start fighting and killing ourselves,” he said.

Kimadoe urged swift police action, stating, “We should condemn it, and the police must act precisely. I will always say, give me this country one week, and I will give it back to you guys, and you will be fine.”

Background

Prior to and after the new Mahama-Naana administration assumed office, a wave of politically charged disturbances has swept across Ghana, raising concerns about national security and political stability.

In one incident on January 7, 2025, vandals destroyed a statue of Mrs. Tiwaa Addo Dankwa, the Executive Director of EOCO, commissioned in October 2024 by EOCO staff in her honor. Security personnel on duty reported being overpowered by a group of unidentified individuals. The vandalism has drawn widespread condemnation, with demands for thorough investigations to bring the culprits to justice.

In another unsettling development, alleged supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) stormed the New Juaben South Municipal Assembly in Koforidua, locking offices of key government agencies, including the National Identification Authority and the National Health Insurance Authority. Although no physical harm was reported, the affected staff described the experience as traumatic.

Broader Implications

These incidents echo politically motivated disturbances seen in 2017 during a governmental transition. The recurrence points to unresolved tensions and the use of vigilante tactics as tools of political dissatisfaction.

Adding complexity to the situation is the symbolic presence of Burkina Faso’s President Ibrahim Traore, a military leader, at the swearing-in of President John Dramani Mahama. His presence has sparked public debate about the potential influence of military governance in Ghana’s political discourse.

Kimadoe’s call for decisive action stressing the urgency of addressing these challenges to ensure political transitions are peaceful and Ghana’s democracy remains resilient.