A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) has expressed deep concern over incidents of post-election violence, vandalism, and disruptions at collation centres following the declaration of results in Ghana’s 2024 general election.

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

The coalition met with the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare and the National Election Security Task Force (NESTF) on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, to address the issues.

The CSOs raised alarm about the tense atmosphere created by these incidents, warning that they threaten the peace and stability that are vital to Ghana’s democracy.

During the meeting, the coalition commended the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Armed Forces for their efforts in maintaining law and order, particularly their proactive use of de-escalation strategies to preserve lives. The coalition also praised the police for arresting individuals suspected of engaging in unlawful acts, such as disrupting collation centres and destroying property.

The coalition further welcomed interventions from President-elect John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who have called for peace and urged their supporters to refrain from violence. Similar appeals from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference and other prominent individuals were also acknowledged as vital contributions to fostering unity and calm during this transitional period.

Appeal for unity

While noting that the December 7 general election was largely peaceful and upheld Ghana’s reputation as a democratic leader in Africa, the coalition expressed disappointment over the recurring trend of post-election violence. These actions, they said, undermine the integrity of the electoral process and Ghana’s democratic foundations.

“We condemn these acts of lawlessness and join others in calling for an immediate end to such activities. It is imperative that we protect the integrity of the 2024 election and Ghana’s democracy,” the coalition said in a statement.

Accountability, Rule of Law

The coalition urged the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies to intensify efforts to restore calm and ensure that those responsible for these acts of lawlessness are held accountable. They emphasised the importance of impartiality, urging the police to uphold the law and continue protecting the safety and security of all citizens.

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

Democracy, Peace

The coalition reaffirmed its commitment to working with all stakeholders to ensure that Ghana’s democracy remains a beacon of stability and progress in the region. They called on Ghanaians to embrace the spirit of peace and unity, emphasising that the nation’s strength lies in its collective commitment to democracy and the rule of law.

As the transition period progresses, the CSOs pledged to continue supporting efforts to maintain peace, ensure accountability, and uphold Ghana’s reputation as a model of democratic governance in Africa.