The Minister for National Security, Albert Kan Dapaah, has issued a warning about the potential for electoral violence as the country approaches the 2024 general elections.
Speaking at the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference in Accra, themed ‘SPI National Forum on Social Cohesion, Security, and Peaceful Elections,’ he stressed the critical need for peace and stability during the election period.
He cited previous instances where electoral violence had almost torn the nation apart, underscoring the importance of vigilance and preventive measures.
“Internally and coming home to Ghana, we continue to be confronted with the threat of electoral violence which has in the past threatened to destroy our country,” he stated.
He emphasised the importance of not underestimating this threat, warning that it could compromise the integrity of our democracy, even though Ghana has traditionally been proud of its peaceful transfers of power between the two main political parties.
Kan Dapaah credited the country’s commitment to democratic principles and the role of the judiciary in resolving electoral disputes.
“Yes, we have succeeded as a country in ensuring a transition of power from one political party to another on modernisation,” he said.
Ahead of the 2024 General Elections, the minister expressed concern over the heightened stakes and the fervent aspirations of the two major political parties.
According to him, such ambitious comments from the two major political parties have the potential to incite violence on Election Day if one party loses. This, he added, is a test of our democracy to uphold the peace Ghana enjoys.
“The 2024 general elections will certainly test the strength of our democracy. Given the high stakes involved, where the two major political parties appear convinced about their prospects of emerging victorious. That obviously creates a security challenge for me where I sit.”
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