2024 Elections: We haven’t done what we should to deter violence - Dr. Akwetey

Dr. Emmanuel O. Akwetey, Executive Director of the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), suggests that Ghana has failed to implement steps to discourage violence and improve public trust ahead of the impending December elections.

He believes the necessary steps to ensure a peaceful electoral process have not been fully implemented.

Dr. Akwetey made these remarks in an address at the IDEG Ghana Speaks High-Level Forum in Accra on Thursday, October 10, 2024. The event was under the theme “Advancing Peace, Unity, and National Cohesion in Ghana.”

He also posits that the process through which electoral officials are appointed sometimes undermines public trust in the institution, which can fuel tensions during election periods.

He has therefore proposed stronger efforts to enhance transparency and confidence in the electoral process.

In his view, peaceful and credible elections are essential for maintaining unity and national cohesion.

“We haven’t done what we should to deter violence. We haven’t done what we should to increase our confidence in a peaceful, credible, and fair election. When we look at it all, we have tended to put all the blame or expectation on the EC, thinking they will be able to do something that will undermine confidence in the register.

"The fact of the matter is that the reforms needed and the institutions required to manage more challenging elections haven’t occurred. We don’t trust our chairmen of the EC because of the way they are appointed.

"NDC comes, they appoint; NPP comes, they appoint, and now that alone creates suspicion that people put in charge cannot be credible enough to do the work professionally,” Dr. Akwetey said.