The Minister for National Security, Albert Kan Dapaah, has warned of a looming threat of electoral violence as Ghana prepares for the 2024 general elections. Speaking at the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference in Accra, Kan Dapaah emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability during the electoral process.
He highlighted past instances where electoral violence has nearly torn the nation apart, warning that such violence could compromise the integrity of Ghana’s democracy. Kan Dapaah credited Ghana’s commitment to democratic principles and the role of the judiciary in resolving electoral disputes for the country’s peaceful transfers of power.
However, he expressed concern over the heightened stakes and fervent aspirations of the two major political parties ahead of the 2024 General Elections. According to Kan Dapaah, ambitious comments from the two major political parties have the potential to incite violence on Election Day if one party loses.
The Minister described the 2024 general elections as a test of Ghana’s democracy, emphasizing the need to uphold the peace the country enjoys. The President of the Ghana Catholic Bishop’s Conference, Most Reverend Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, also stressed the need for political parties to accept the outcome of the election peacefully.
Gyamfi urged Ghanaians not to allow themselves to be used by politicians to cause mayhem before, during, and after the December polls. He emphasized that peace is expensive and requires sacrifices, calling on all parties to prioritize peace and accept election outcomes gracefully.