Election-related violence will be swiftly addressed - Godfred Dame assures observer missions

The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has assured that cases of election-related violence will be addressed swiftly. 

“You can be assured that any infarctions are investigated as swiftly as possible and prosecution also mounted effectively,” he said when observer missions of African Union (AU), and Commonwealth paid a courtesy on him today (Dec 5). 

Cases 

Mr Dame explained that almost all the election related cases in the 2020 election were resolved with the exception of the case of two people who died during the Techiman South Constituency election clash. 

The Attorney-General said in that case, the investigators could not conduct a thorough investigation to be able to establish a link between the offence and the act.

He said that was mainly due to the families of the victims insisting of burying the deceased immediately in line with Muslim rites. 

“Apart from that all election related offences were prosecuted and we will do so again this time if there are any infractions,” Mr Dame said. 

Missions 

The  AU Observer Mission was led by the former President of Ethiopia, Sahle-Work Zewde, while the Commonwealth Observer Group Mission was led by former President  of Botswana, Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Masisi. 

The discussions with the A-G centered on whether they are legal challenges ahead of the elections, the statement in parliament and its potential impact on government business and legislations, and the role of observer missions in the electoral process. 

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Yvonne Atakora Obuobisa, and the Solicitor-General, Helen Akpene Ziwu, joined the A-G to receive the delegation.

The Attorney-General expressed confidence in the electoral process and the integrity of the Electoral Commission. 

He further assured the observer missions of efficiency of the management of post electoral violence or disputes.