Nine Ghanaians, including Rita Otoo Teki, Botwe Tackie and Emmanuel Dompreh of Odododiodio, Abass Ibrahim of Ablekuma Central, Tajudeen Alhassan and Abdallah Ayarice of Takyiman South, Samira Zakariah and Fuseini Musa of Savelugu, and a constituent of Awutu Senya, died in election-related violence in 2020.
Some of these deceased were children. The deaths were at the hands of political vigilantes and security forces. Whether they died at the hands of security forces or vigilantes, they died because of an election that should have been peaceful.
As a famous leader said, “All-die-be-die “. Then, as now, there was a Peace pact, executed with fanfare. But their deaths were met with silence. There was no national inquiry– no national funeral and no accountability for the officials who may have been derelict.
Yes, you got it right. The nation that held a national funeral for Mr. Floyd who was murdered inadvertently by police in US couldn’t have a funeral for 9 of its citizens who were murdered during elections that should have been peaceful. As former President Mahama pointed out, Pacts must be accompanied by deeds to make them relevant.
How can we trust the courts who are ignoring previous violence to deal with new violence? How can we trust the security forces who shot at fleeing crowds to protect them this time? How can we trust the same Peace Council that couldn’t call out those who ignored the matyrs of 2020 to pursue justice for the martyrs of 2024 if there are any?
Prof. Adu-Gyamfi, the Chair of the Peace Council is right to point out that the Council has no law enforcement powers but they do have moral authority that was not utilized. Their silence was loud. As for the EC, it described the election that caused the deaths of nine and injured dozens as “peaceful”.
Parliament should have held hearings into the flawed security arrangements that led to the needless deaths and passed legislation if any were needed, but they did nothing. There can never be a credible peace–with or without pacts without accountability.
“Fama Nyame” is not appropriate here. We must investigate the deaths and where necessary, prosecute those whose actions or inactions led to the needless deaths. The martyrs deserve justice. Let’s not ignore them like we did the victims of Kume Preko and Ayawaso West Wugon and the long line of martyrs.
The 2020 election was more violent than January 13th, 1972! An election should not be more violent than a coup. As Goodluck Jonathan once said, “Nobody’s political ambition deserves one drop of any Nigerians blood”.
Tell that to our leaders! As you head out to the polls, say a prayer for the martyrs of 2020 and for Peace during and after this election. May God protect and bless Ghana.
Arthur Kobina Kennedy ( November 30th, 2024)
