Safeguarding Ghana’s democracy: Strategies to prevent violence in the 2024 general election

The capacity of states to ensure violence-free elections is essential for upholding the principles of democracy.

While Ghana has successfully conducted several elections since 1992, the country continues to face micro-level electoral violence, which poses a threat to our democracy.

The 2024 campaign season is in full swing with political parties making promises to the electorate, but the key question is: Are Ghanaians being promised/assured of violence-free elections? 

It is crucial for all Ghanaians, especially the leaders of our political parties, to be reminded of the importance of ensuring free and fair elections without any form of violence.

This article highlights some of the election-related acts of violence in the Fourth Republic and proposes strategies to help prevent such occurrences in the 2024 general election and beyond.

Historical context

Like other countries, Ghana has a history of election-related violence that has marred its reputation as a democratic nation. In a research report titled, “Electoral Violence and Political Vigilantism in Ghana: Evidence from Selected Hotspots,” CDD-Ghana has documented incidents of election-related violence involving supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The report highlights instances where tensions relating to electoral issues tend to escalate during elections, leading to violent confrontations among the supporters of political parties.

What is concerning, as the CDD report notes, is the fact that none of Ghana’s previous presidential and parliamentary elections, by-elections, and re-runs since 1992 was devoid of violence.

The violence that occurred during the 2020 general election resulting in the tragic loss of eight lives, which has drawn widespread condemnation across the country, is a recent example.

The CDD report has also reminded readers about other previous election-related acts of violence that have occurred in Akwatia in the Eastern Region and Chereponi in the Northern Region in 2009, Atiwa in the Eastern Region in 2010, Talensi in the Upper East Region in 2015, as well as the violence that occurred at the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency during the by-election in 2019.  

These unfortunate events not only disrupted the electoral process but also left a lasting impact on the country’s efforts towards democratic consolidation. While Ghana has been fortunate to avoid election-related violence at the national level unlike other countries in Africa, experts are still worried about the frequent nature of electoral violence and its likelihood of undermining trust in the electoral process and the implication on our democracy. 

Causes of electoral violence

Ghana shares some common factors that create incentives for electoral violence. Studies have documented causes such as competitive elections, politics of exclusion, winner-takes-all electoral system, corruption, and weak electoral management systems.

In addition to these factors, other vulnerabilities that have been revealed in studies on Ghana’s electoral violence, including the CDD report, need to be underscored.

Causes such as vigilantism, unemployment, polarised chieftaincy disputes and weakening trust in security agencies, are cases in point. Other studies have blamed misinformation and reckless utterances from political elites and their supporters. 

Strategies for prevention

To prevent political violence, it is important to implement a range of strategies. Strengthening law enforcement is essential, ensuring that security forces are properly trained and equipped to manage conflicts.

Additionally, it is essential to conduct civic education and awareness campaigns to foster peaceful elections. Educating the public about the significance of non-violence in the democratic process can help create a culture of peace and tolerance.

The flag bearers of the major parties need to reassure Ghanaians of their readiness to speak against violence while at the same time amplifying their “political megaphones” about the importance of ensuring violence-free elections.

The media, civic society/religious organisations, and Ghanaians need to play their roles to ensure free, fair and peaceful elections.

The Electoral Commission has a huge role to play in maintaining its neutrality throughout the electoral process. Leaders and supporters of the NDC and NPP need to continue to reassure Ghanaians of their commitment to accept the results of the 2024 elections.

Settling electoral disputes through the court system, as done in 2012 and 2020, must be the only means to resolve electoral disputes and not through violence. Also, trust and confidence must be restored in the Inter-Party Advisory Committee for mutual dialogue and understanding by all political actors.

Promoting trust, inclusive dialogue, and the commitment to disseminating accurate information to voters are paramount to safeguarding Ghana’s democracy.

The efforts by the National Peace Council (NPC) to promote peaceful elections, should be endorsed by all stakeholders. As recently noted by the NPC chairman, Rev. Dr Ernest Adu-Gyamfi, “Violence is not a legitimate election strategy.”

Not only is his statement important and timely but it was also underscored by the Kofi Annan Foundation and other Ghanaians. We also endorse the statement and urge all political parties, their supporters and Ghanaians to work towards a peaceful 2024 general election. 

Conclusion

Safeguarding Ghana’s democracy requires a comprehensive approach that incorporates law enforcement, civic education, political stewardship, responsible media practices, and community engagement.

By adopting these measures and drawing insights from the experiences of other African nations, Ghana can ensure that elections are conducted peacefully in a manner that will genuinely reflect the will of the populace. Upholding democratic principles and striving for a future where violence has no place in the electoral process are shared obligations.

Let us collectively dedicate ourselves to upholding our democracy and advocating peace in the 2024 general election and beyond. 

The writers are a Governance Fellow at the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), Ghana, a regular columnist of the Daily Graphic and an Associate Professor, Director of the Centre for African Studies at Kent State University in Ohio-USA.