Former Attorney General Martin Amidu says the resurgence of violence in Bawku and other parts of northern Ghana is part of the Akufo-Addo administration’s calculated political strategy to suppress voter turnout in opposition strongholds.
According to the former Special Prosecutor, the government’s inadequate response to the crisis has worsened the situation, causing significant loss of life and displacement of residents.
“The government, by refusing or failing to be adequately represented by the Attorney General at the Court of Appeal… appears to have facilitated the current fratricidal cycle of killings,” Amidu alleged, referencing a court decision that sparked renewed conflict in Bawku.
He further pointed to logistical challenges affecting Bawku residents as evidence of deliberate voter suppression.
“The depopulation of the Bawku township during this election season means that a chunk of the electorate who were lucky to survive and escape are being denied their vote on 7 December 2024. The dead, of course, have lost their votes,” Amidu stated.
Amidu accused President Akufo-Addo of prioritizing political endorsements over national security, citing the President’s plea during a recent tour for Ghanaians to elect Dr. Bawumia as his successor.
He described the President’s actions as manipulative, calling Dr. Bawumia “the puppet master’s heir.”
The former Special Prosecutor questioned the integrity of the electoral process in conflict-prone regions, asking whether elections could be held safely in Bawku and its surrounding areas.
“The larger issue is the uncertainty whether the whole Bawku Traditional Council area would even be able to exercise their franchise on 7 December 2024 in a free, fair, and transparent manner,” he said.
Amidu’s remarks highlight growing concerns about the security implications of Ghana’s 2024 elections.
He called on Dr. Bawumia to take responsibility and address these concerns directly, warning against a campaign that trivializes the loss of life.
“What is the use of digitization and drones when human security is ignored? This is not leadership.”
ALSO READ: