The President, John Dramani Mahama, has directed the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare, to institute a probe into deaths related to the 2020 and 2024 general elections.
In a letter to the IGP, the President, through his secretary, Dr Callistus Mahama, said it was important justice was served for the over eight people who lost their lives in the two election-cycles.
“These incidents, which occurred in various parts of the country, have left a lasting scar on our democratic process, and it is imperative that justice is served for the victims and their families,” the President said.
To ensure that the investigations were comprehensive and transparent, the President requested that a dedicated task force was established to focus on the matter, to ensure “undivided attention and efficient handling of this matter”.
The President also proposed that the IGP collaborated with witnesses and families of the victims through interviews to uncover the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
“Investigate the role and actions of security personnel deployed at the affected polling stations to determine their involvement or oversight,” the letter dated January 10, 2025 added.
He also entreated the IGP to employ advance forensic techniques to analyse any physical evidence from the crime scenes, including bullet castings, weaponry, and other materials.
“To maintain public trust and ensure transparency, we kindly request periodic updates on the progress of the investigation. This will help to keep stakeholders informed and assure the public of your commitment to uncovering the truth.”
He expressed confidence in the competence and professionalism of the Criminal Investigations Department of the Police Service to deliver on the mandate “to bring justice to the victims and their families while preserving the integrity of Ghana’s democratic process”.
Relatedly, the President, through his secretary has also directed the Lands Commission to with immediate effect halt all activities relating to the sale, lease or processing of transactions involving State and Public Lands.
“This directive has been issued to protect and preserve State and Public Lands for the collective benefit of the citizenry and future generations.
“As such all ongoing and pending transactions must be halted without delay to facilitate a comprehensive review of the current framework governing the management of such lands,” a letter dated January 10, 2025 and addressed to the Executive Secretary of the Commission directed.
The President further requested the Commission to submit a detailed report of all recent and ongoing transactions concerning State and Public Lands to his office within 14 days of receipt of the letter.
