Breaking Ghana's Electoral Impunity Cycle

 By Shine Esi Kwawukumey 

Elections are a cornerstone of democracy, offering citizens the opportunity to choose their leaders through the ballot, not the bullet. 

Yet, in Ghana, the aftermath of elections is often marred by lawlessness, where mobs loot, vandalize property, and inflict harm on innocent people. 

The recently concluded 2024 general elections were no exception, as reports of violent attacks surfaced once again. 

These acts are not just stains on our democratic fabric they are crimes that deserve firm legal action.

It is troubling that the perpetrators of these offenses are often labeled as "Party A supporters" or "Party B supporters" rather than being recognized for what they truly are criminals. 

This framing shifts focus from justice to partisanship, enabling offenders to hide behind political allegiances. 

Such a narrative not only emboldens future offenders but also trivializes the harm done to innocent Ghanaians. 

People’s offices are looted, cars are torched, homes are attacked, and lives are sometimes lost all in the name of politics. 

But let us be clear: theft, assault, and destruction of property are not political actions; they are crimes.

Beyond the political pretext, it is possible that some of these offenders are not even genuine party loyalists but opportunistic criminals taking advantage of the post-election chaos. 

By masking their criminal intent under the guise of political affiliation, they manipulate a flawed system that prioritizes political blame over legal accountability. 

This must change.

A society that tolerates impunity breeds more violence. 

To break this cycle, Ghana must prioritize justice over partisanship. 

Law enforcement agencies must be seen to be impartial, arresting and prosecuting offenders regardless of their political affiliation. 

In this regard, the police deserve commendation for the arrests they have made so far in connection with the 2024 post-election violence. 

However, there is a need for transparency in the legal process. 

Ghanaians have a right to know why some suspects are granted bail while others are being processed for court. 

Clear, consistent communication from the police and the judiciary will help restore public trust in the system.

Other democracies have faced similar challenges but have found ways to address them. 

In Kenya, for instance, electoral violence in 2007 left a deep scar on the nation. 

Following that experience, Kenya established the International Crimes Division (ICD) of its High Court to handle post-election violence. 

While Ghana's context is different, there are valuable lessons to be learned. 

Ghana must strengthen its justice system to ensure that electoral crimes are treated with the seriousness they deserve.

The time has come for Ghanaians to see these acts of violence not as "political games" but as threats to national security and public safety. 

If unchecked, this culture of impunity could spiral into something far worse. 

We must reject the idea that violence is an acceptable part of our electoral process. 

Every Ghanaian has the right to live, work, and trade in peace, regardless of who wins an election.

Our leaders, civil society, religious bodies, and media must amplify the call for accountability. 

Let political party leaders openly condemn these acts of violence and disown the so-called "supporters" who commit them. 

If political parties claim to stand for peace and democracy, they must prove it by supporting justice, not shielding wrongdoers.

As a country, we have a choice to make. 

Will we continue to excuse criminality because of political convenience, or will we stand for justice, peace, and security for all Ghanaians? 

Let us choose justice, for it is only through accountability that peace can be sustained.

Let the law roar louder than party slogans, for where justice is absent, peace cannot dwell.