Six Dead, Dozens Injured in Ghana’s 2024 Election Violence
Ghana’s 2024 general election was marred by violence, resulting in six deaths and 76 reported incidents, according to a report by the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana). The report, compiled with support from CODEO and WANEP, detailed cases of gunshot wounds, stabbings, and the destruction of property during the election period.
Programme Manager for Security Sector Governance, Paul Nana Kwabena Aborampah Mensah, highlighted specific incidents, including the fatal shooting of Haruna Shaibu in Tolon and Mukila Ziblim in Damongo. In the Awutu Senya East Constituency, a shooting left one person dead and others critically injured, while a confrontation in Ahafo Ano South West led to six injuries and one death.
Other incidents included the burning of Electoral Commission offices in Damongo and Ayensuano, and looting in the Offinso North Constituency, where violence between party supporters resulted in fatalities. CDD-Ghana also reported that 132 suspects had been arrested, with 45 remanded, 71 on police bail, and 16 on court bail.
Professor Henry Kwasi Prempeh, Executive Director of CDD-Ghana, expressed relief that widespread chaos was avoided but lamented the persistent electoral violence despite nine successive elections. The report called for stronger measures to address electoral violence and promote peaceful democratic processes.