Ghanaian politician and retired military personnel, Major [rtd] Derek Oduro, has underscored the need for persons who formulate election-related violence to be dealt with in accordance with the law.
The former deputy defence minister said violence, intimidation, and lawlessness cannot win an election.
He emphasized that winning an election is determined by policies and programmes that resonate with the people.
He was reacting to some of the recorded cases of violence in the ongoing limited registration exercise.
He wondered why a limited registration exercise would generate this level of lawlessness and impunity.
He has also described as unfortunate the arrest of the Member of Parliament for Asutifi South, Collins Dauda, following his alleged role in the disturbances that unfolded at Kukuom in the Ahafo Region during the ongoing Limited Voter Registration Exercise on Saturday, May 11, 2024.
One person reportedly sustained injuries during the commotion and is currently receiving medical attention at a hospital.
He condemned the incident, wondering why the MP would be allegedly connected with the incident.
Speaking on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, he posited that “we can end these violent incidents if we severely sanction those involved. We need to punish them in a manner that will send a strong signal to any other person or persons plotting to engage in lawlessness during election-related activities”.
He also emphasised the need for a thorough investigation into the Kukuom incident.
He said if we fail to deal ruthlessly with these incidents and those behind them, we will create serious problems going into the future.
The situation he warned about could affect our general elections and the swearing-in of our presidents.
Major [rtd] Derek Oduro added that we have witnessed several incidents in the past where people have lost their lives, and others occurred especially in Kukuom, stressing the need for the law enforcement agencies to deal with the offenders.
“If the Ghana Police Service wants to deal with the issues, they have to do it professionally. If we have NPP supporters creating these problems, they have to be arrested. If the offenders are NDC, we have to arrest and prosecute them. No one should be spared. We should use this as a test case and deal with the issue. We don’t have to entertain any influence peddling for the offenders to be freed. We have to deal with them in a ruthless manner.
We must apply the law. Our electoral processes are governed by laws. There are laws that govern activities such as voter registration and elections. If you violate these laws, you must be prosecuted under our laws.”
“Our courts should also be prepared to punish these offenders harshly.” They shouldn’t be treated with child gloves. If they give them hefty punishments, it will serve as a deterrent to those who engage in similar illegal actions. The punishment must not be soft.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
