The Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG) and the Civic Forum Initiative (CFI) have called for reforms that can help address post-election violent activities.
The two civil society organisations were disturbed over the negative incidents recorded after the 2024 general elections.
The CSOs commended the county for the elections and smooth transition of power from one party to the other.
They described the transition process as peaceful, adding that it demonstrated the resilience and maturity of Ghana’s political system in maintaining stability and unity despite potential challenges.
But maintained that the post-election violent incidents needed to be addressed.
“The early concession of defeat by Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party’s presidential candidate, helped prevent tensions and violence,” the statement noted.
“Despite the goodwill shown by the leaders of the two major political parties, we must address the major incidents of post-election violence, such as organised hooliganism, raids, arson of state property, and other disruptive acts by party loyalists,” the statement said.
IDEG and CFI referenced what it described as the tense and chaotic re-collation of parliamentary results in nine constituencies.
To them, these incidents require “the urgent need for targeted interventions to resolve disputes related to the collation and declaration of parliamentary election results.”
According to them, if left unaddressed, they could pose serious risks to Ghana’s political stability and security in the future.
It has therefore advised the Attorney General’s Department and the Ghana Police Service to enforce the law against those involved in such recklessness and lawlessness.
“Perpetrators must be arrested, and due process followed to its conclusive end, to serve as a deterrent to potential offenders,” the statement said.
It added, “Political parties must cooperate with the Electoral Commission to ensure that the tensions and delays experienced in the collation process do not reoccur in future elections,” they stated.
“Stakeholders must play their role in educating the citizenry to ensure peaceful transitions in future elections,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, IDEG and CFI assured the public that they will continue to work with other stakeholders to deepen dialogue, enhance civic education, and secure transformational reforms for national unity and stability.
“We will continue to work with political parties and civil society organisations to ensure transformational reforms that will contribute to national unity and stability.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
