Election 2024: Prosecute Looters and Vandals – Stephen Wengam Urges Law Enforcement
Calls for Accountability in the Aftermath of Election-Related Violence and Destruction
- These incidents have raised concerns over a growing culture of impunity
- Rev. Wengam emphasized the need for the rule of law to be upheld
- He condemned the post-election violence and looting
His comments come in the wake of reports from various parts of Ghana where supporters of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) were allegedly involved in the destruction of property and theft in the aftermath of the elections.
These incidents have raised concerns over a growing culture of impunity, particularly after elections, and have sparked calls for swift action from the authorities.
In a media engagement on Sunday, December 29, 2024, in Accra, Rev. Wengam emphasized the need for the rule of law to be upheld in order to prevent such actions from recurring in future elections.
He condemned the post-election violence and looting, urging the authorities to take immediate action.
“After every major milestone like this, we want to believe that the key stakeholders, including the political parties and the Electoral Commission, will sit together to reflect on the positives and negatives and address these concerns without delay. We should not wait another four years to start tackling these issues,” he stated.
He continued, “I condemn the looting and vandalism, and I join well-meaning Ghanaians in calling for the law to take its course. Whoever is found guilty, regardless of their political affiliation, should face the full force of the law. This will send a strong message and serve as a deterrent. Unfortunately, in the past, we have seen such incidents fade into obscurity, and the culture of impunity seems to be taking hold. We must stop this now.”
Rev. Wengam also commended Ghanaians for the peaceful conduct of the elections, despite the disturbances caused by a small minority of individuals.
Israeli Ambassador to Ghana Marks Hanukkah and Calls for Stronger Bilateral Ties
Meanwhile, on Sunday, December 29, 2024, the Israeli Ambassador to Ghana, Roey Gilad, attended a special service at Cedar Mountain Chapel to celebrate Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights. In his address, Ambassador Gilad expressed Israel’s readiness to deepen its relationship with Ghana, especially with the incoming John Mahama-led administration set to take office on January 7, 2025.
He also urged the new government to support Israel in international forums, particularly in voting on key issues related to the country. “I always tell both the outgoing and incoming leaders that I hope Ghana will consider the strong ties we share with the people of this church and support Israel at international forums, especially when voting in places like Geneva,” Gilad said.
Namibian Minister Calls for Continued Diaspora Engagement
In a related event, Maureen Hinda-Mbuende, Namibia’s Deputy Minister of Finance, attended the church service and called for the continuation of initiatives like “Beyond the Return.” This initiative builds on the success of the “Year of Return” campaign, which celebrated the 8th anniversary of 34 Africans from the diaspora being granted Ghanaian citizenship in 2016.
Hinda-Mbuende emphasized the importance of reconnecting Africans in the diaspora with the continent and urged Ghana to continue leading the way. “As the home of Pan-Africanism and the legacy of Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana is uniquely positioned to lead this effort, and I encourage other African nations to follow its example,” she said.
Her remarks came amid expectations that the incoming Mahama administration will take this initiative to the next level, fostering stronger ties with African communities abroad.
