CDD-Ghana Calls for Stronger Law Enforcement to Address Post-Election Violence

The Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has urged law enforcement authorities to take a firm stance in enforcing the law to prevent the rise of hooliganism, vandalism, and attacks on state officials and properties following the December 7, 2024, general elections.

The Center also appealed to President John Dramani Mahama’s newly established government to send a clear message that post-election violence will not be tolerated.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, January 14, CDD-Ghana emphasized the importance of ensuring that the Ghana Police Service and other law enforcement agencies are free to take necessary action against individuals involved in recent acts of violence and vandalism. Such incidents have been reported nationwide since the National Democratic Congress (NDC) assumed office on January 7, 2025.

CDD-Ghana expressed concern over the recurring trend of post-election violence, which it views as a troubling aspect of Ghana’s political culture. The Center warned that if left unchecked, this behavior could undermine efforts to combat winner-takes-all politics and threaten the nation’s peace and stability.

The Center acknowledged the success of the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act (2019) in addressing political vigilantes aligned with political parties and called for the introduction of similar enhanced criminal penalties to address post-election partisan violence.

CDD-Ghana also recommended that future Transition Teams prioritize the prevention and management of post-election violence as a key element of the transition process.

While commending the peaceful conduct of the December 2024 elections, CDD-Ghana reiterated the importance of ensuring that both elections and their aftermath remain free from violence and destruction, safeguarding lives and property as Ghana continues its democratic progress.