We stand at an extraordinary milestone—the 32nd year of the Fourth Republic. This journey, marked by the leadership of five presidents and the work of nine parliaments, reflects the remarkable stability and maturity of our democratic experiment. It is a sharp contrast to the First, Second, and Third Republics, each truncated by military coups that overthrew constitutional rule.
The Aftermath of Coups: Lessons from History
Military coups, by their nature, bring upheaval in their wake. They often unleash lawlessness, with mobs invading offices, seizing property, and persecuting individuals deemed “enemies of the people.” These actions, though carried out in the name of justice, were never grounded in legality or fairness and were widely condemned by right-thinking members of society.
The National Reconciliation Commission (NRC) exposed some of these excesses that followed these undemocratic disruptions. Its work reminded us of the collective vow we made: never again should lawlessness and chaos define political transitions.
In contrast, democracy offers a framework for peaceful political alternation—where the transfer of power occurs within the confines of law and order.
Yet, despite this promise, the Fourth Republic has not been entirely free from the specter of violence during transitions of power. Offices have been ransacked, property destroyed, toilets seized, party offices set ablaze, courts attacked, and innocent individuals harassed, with some of these episodes resulting in injuries and, tragically, deaths.
The Social and Economic Costs of Violence
Post-election violence does more than tarnish the image of democracy; it comes with tangible costs.
Economically, it disrupts businesses, scares investors, and damages property, leading to financial losses that ripple across communities.
Socially, it deepens divisions, often along political lines, and undermines national cohesion.
Public services also suffer, as transitions of power sometimes target public servants, creating instability in public institutions and delaying essential services. These disruptions weaken the very fabric of governance, leaving scars that take years to heal.
Why Such Behavior Has No Place in Democracy
Democracy is built on the principles of the rule of law, accountability, and respect for human rights. The peaceful transfer of power is not only a constitutional requirement but also a cornerstone of our democratic success.
Violence during political transitions undermines these principles, shaking public confidence in the democratic process and tarnishing our reputation as a beacon of stability in Africa.
This behavior disrupts governance, diverts attention from urgent national priorities, and imposes needless costs on the state and its citizens.
Worse, it erodes the spirit of unity and tolerance that democracy seeks to foster. There is no justification for such actions, and they must have no place in a democratic society.
The Role of Political Leadership
Political leaders bear a heavy responsibility in addressing these post-election excesses. They must publicly denounce such actions and discourage supporters from engaging in unlawful activities. Campaigns should focus on unity and policy, avoiding rhetoric that stokes divisions or animosity.
Post-election, leaders should prioritize reconciliation, demonstrating their commitment to national stability. Leadership must also work to depoliticize state institutions, ensuring that they serve the entire populace rather than becoming tools of partisan control.
The Role of the Police
Law enforcement, particularly the police, plays a pivotal role in maintaining peace and order during political transitions. However, despite the predictability of such episodes, police intelligence often fails to preempt them. A more proactive and aggressive approach is required.
Swift and visible action by the police, including the arrest of perpetrators, serves as a strong deterrent. Delayed or ineffective responses send a dangerous signal—that such behavior is acceptable. This emboldens lawlessness and undermines public trust in law enforcement.
The police must deploy intelligence, resources, and manpower decisively to ensure peaceful transitions. Proper training in crowd control and non-lethal interventions can also reduce the escalation of violence.
The Case for Swift Prosecutions
When violence occurs, swift and fair prosecutions are essential. Justice delayed is justice denied, and failure to prosecute offenders promptly fosters a culture of impunity and vengeance. Conversely, timely legal action sends a powerful message that no one is above the law, regardless of their political affiliation.
Swift prosecutions also reinforce the principle that democracy is governed by laws, not the whims of individuals or groups. This strengthens public confidence in the justice system and deters future acts of violence.
Breaking the Cycle of Violence through Civic Education
To end the culture of post-election violence, we must address its root causes through robust civic education. Citizens must understand that political alternation is not a call to arms, nor a license to take over public institutions, but a testament to their sovereignty. Elections are contests of ideas, not battles for supremacy.
Political parties, civil society organizations, the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), and traditional leaders must collaborate to educate citizens on the importance of peaceful transitions.
Schools and community programs should instill the values of respect for institutions, tolerance, and the rule of law.
Government Must Work for All: The Danger of Partisan Exclusivity
A government’s primary duty is to serve the collective interests of all its citizens, irrespective of political affiliation, ethnicity, or social status.
When resources, contracts, jobs, scholarships, and other opportunities are distributed on a partisan basis, it undermines the very essence of governance and fosters deep resentment among those excluded from these benefits.
Such practices create an environment of exclusion and inequality, which breeds pent-up frustration and anger—an anger that often finds its outlet during moments of political alternation.
The consequences of this exclusion are far-reaching. Those who feel disenfranchised under one administration may view political alternation as their only opportunity to access the benefits of governance.
To break this cycle, governance must prioritize fairness, equity, and inclusivity.
Public resources must be allocated based on merit, need, and transparent criteria, not political loyalty. By working for all, a government can build bridges across political divides, reduce tensions during transitions, and foster a sense of shared ownership in the nation’s development.
Learning from Others
Botswana, often hailed as a model of African democracy, emphasizes respect for democratic norms, with smooth and conflict-free transitions. This should serve as an aspirational model for Ghana. We can learn from their culture of mutual respect, institutional strength, and prioritization of national unity.
Using Early Warning Systems
Technology offers tools to help prevent violence. Social media monitoring can identify and address incitement to violence on digital platforms. Early warning systems, integrated with police intelligence, can detect and respond to signs of unrest before they escalate. These approaches can modernize our response to potential violence.
Engaging the Youth
The youth are often both the drivers and victims of post-election violence. Addressing their needs is critical. Civic education programs must emphasize non-violence and democratic principles. Furthermore, tackling youth unemployment and providing platforms for young people to actively participate in governance will help channel their energy positively.
The Role of Media
The media must also play a constructive role. Responsible reporting, avoiding sensationalism, and focusing on peaceful narratives during transitions can reduce tensions. Additionally, the media should educate the public about the consequences of violence and the importance of law and order.
A Call to Action
As we celebrate over three decades of democratic stability, it is time to confront the remnants of chaos that have no place in our democracy. Law enforcement must act decisively, the judiciary must deliver swift justice, and citizens must embrace the democratic ethos of peace and order.
There must be zero-tolerance for post-election violence and chaos.
Political transitions should symbolize progress, not peril. The cost of inaction—lost lives, broken property, and diminished trust—is too high.
Let this be the moment we declare, unequivocally, that violence during political transitions must end.
Our democracy is too precious, our legacy too significant, and our future too bright to allow such actions to stain the journey we have worked so hard to sustain. Let us protect our democracy, for ourselves and for the generations yet unborn.
Da Yie!
The author, Professor Kwaku Asare is a private legal practitioner and accounting professor.