Stop lawlessness - CSOs urge citizenry

The coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) has called for an immediate halt to the pockets of violence, vandalism and unrest that have characterised the post-December 7, elections.

It said that while the December 7 general election was generally peaceful and reaffirmed the country’s reputation as a leading example of democracy in Africa, post-election lawlessness must cease to prevent any damage to the integrity of the 2024 election process and Ghana’s democracy. 

IGP engagement

This was contained in a statement issued by the coalition and signed by its representatives after engaging the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the National Election Security Task Force last Wednesday.

The Civic Forum Initiative (CFI), the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO), STAR Ghana Foundation, the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), and the Office of the National Chief Imam, were members of the coalition that participated in the meeting.

The meeting was to express the coalition’s concern over the pockets of post-election violence, vandalism and disruptions at collation centres that have followed the declaration of results in Ghana’s 2024 general election.

The coalition, therefore, urged the Ghana Police Service (GPS) and all security agencies to continue their hard work, intensify their efforts to restore calm and ensure that those responsible for those acts of lawlessness were held accountable.

“We trust that the police will remain impartial, uphold the law and continue to protect the safety and security of all Ghanaians,” it stated. 

Responsible

The coalition called on all Ghanaians to remain calm, responsible and respectful of the rule of law at this critical time of a transition, stressing that the “peaceful transfer of power is a cornerstone of Ghana’s democracy and must be safeguarded by all of us.”

It also called on Ghanaians to act in the spirit of peace and unity.

“Ghana’s strength lies in our commitment to peace, the rule of law and the peaceful transfer of power.

“As civil society, we will remain committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that Ghana’s democracy remains a beacon of stability and progress in the region,” it stated. 

Stability

It said those actions had created a tense atmosphere, which threatens the peace and stability that are foundational to Ghana’s democracy.

It said the coalition recognised the efforts of the police and the Ghana Armed Forces in ensuring law and order, as well as their proactive approach to preserving life through de-escalation strategies.

The delegation also acknowledged actions taken by the police in arresting individuals suspected of being involved in acts of lawlessness, including the disruption at collation centres and the destruction of public and private property.

The coalition also welcomed the interventions of President-elect John Dramani Mahama and the leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who called for peace and urged their supporters to refrain from acts of violence and vandalism.

The coalition also acknowledged similar statements and appeals from the Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference and various individuals, urging an end to all acts of vandalism and violence.