The Office of the President, John Mahama, has formally petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, to launch an immediate investigation into the deaths of Ghanaians during the 2020 and 2024 general elections.

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In a letter addressed to the IGP, the Office described the incidents as "a lasting scar on our democratic process," emphasizing the need for justice for the victims and their families.

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The letter recommended key measures to ensure a comprehensive and transparent investigation, including the "establishment of a dedicated investigative taskforce" within the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to focus solely on the cases for "undivided attention and efficient handling of the matter."

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It further proposed "collaboration with witnesses and families," urging investigators to conduct "thorough interviews with eyewitnesses, victims' families, and other relevant individuals who may provide crucial information."

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Additionally, the statement called for a "review of electoral security arrangements" to examine the actions of security personnel deployed at the affected polling stations to determine "their involvement or oversight" in the tragic incidents.

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The letter also emphasized the importance of forensic analysis, urging the use of "advanced forensic techniques to analyze any physical evidence from the crime scenes, including bullet casings, weaponry, and other materials."

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The President's Office encouraged collaboration with electoral bodies, stating, "Work with the Electoral Commission and other relevant agencies to review reports from the 2020 and 2024 elections for additional context."

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To ensure public trust, the Office of the President requested "periodic updates on the progress of the investigation," stressing that it would help "keep stakeholders informed and assure the public of your commitment to uncovering the truth."

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Speaking at the National Muslim Prayer and Thanksgiving event at the National Mosque in Accra on Friday, January 10, Mr. Mahama reiterated the need for justice.

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"If these continue and justice is not served, then what it does is, it breeds impunity. And that's why, as a party, we have said that we must investigate and find out what led to these killings so that we can take action so that they don't happen again."

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The call comes after the deaths of approximately eight Ghanaians during the 2020 elections and about six more in the recently concluded 2024 polls. Several electorates were injured during these two electoral processes.

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The Office of the President expressed confidence in the professionalism of the CID, stating, "We are confident in the competence and professionalism of the Criminal Investigations Department and trust that your efforts will yield the necessary results to bring justice to the victims and their families while preserving the integrity of Ghana's democratic process."

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Letter to the IGPDownload

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