Affail Monney Urges Deeper National Introspection on Recurring Election Violence in Ghana

Introduction

Election violence in Ghana has become a recurring challenge, transforming peaceful democratic exercises into tense conflict zones. In a compelling call to action, Roland Affail Monney, former President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), advocates for deeper national introspection on recurring election violence. Speaking on ExcitementNews’ AM Show, Monney criticizes Ghana’s superficial responses to electoral violence, urging a shift toward tackling root causes like political desperation and high-stakes power struggles.

This article breaks down Monney’s insights, providing a pedagogical guide to understanding election violence in Ghana, its patterns in the 2020 and 2024 general elections, and pathways to sustainable peace. By examining verified reports from the Interior Ministry and historical context, we highlight why addressing underlying issues is essential for Ghana’s democracy.

Analysis

Affail Monney’s commentary offers a critical lens on Ghana’s electoral challenges, emphasizing that responses to electoral violence have been inadequate. Rather than merely condemning incidents, he pushes for microscopic examination of triggers, fostering a pedagogical approach to national self-reflection.

Superficial Responses to Electoral Violence

Monney points out that Ghana’s typical reaction—condemning acts, naming and shaming perpetrators, then reverting to old patterns—fails to curb recurrence. This cycle perpetuates violence, as seen in multiple election years. For instance, post-incident blame games dominate headlines, but without systemic change, tensions resurface. This superficiality ignores deeper societal dynamics, teaching us that true reform requires proactive, root-focused strategies.

Root Causes of Election Violence in Ghana

At the core, Monney identifies intense political competition and viewing governance as a “high-stakes business.” Politicians invest heavily in campaigns, perceiving power as the ultimate prize, leading to desperation. “From the root and not the dep[th],” he states, questioning why citizens become so determined. Every election cycle escalates tensions, turning the nation into a “conflict zone” with flared tempers and a win-at-all-costs mentality.

Pedagogically, this mirrors broader African electoral trends where economic stakes amplify rivalries. In Ghana, the Interior Ministry’s report on the 2020 and 2024 elections links deaths and injuries to firearms used by party supporters and security personnel, underscoring verifiable dangers.

Context of Recent Elections

The 2020 elections recorded over 10 fatalities and numerous injuries, per official data, with similar patterns in 2024 preliminaries. Monney’s remarks follow this report, highlighting how partisan fervor overrides peace commitments.

Summary

In summary, Affail Monney calls for Ghana to move beyond reactive measures against recurring election violence. He advocates examining desperation, political culture, and power incentives. Triggered by the Interior Ministry’s findings on firearm-related incidents in 2020 and 2024 elections, his plea emphasizes national dialogue for ethical politics, involving leaders, civil society, and media.

Key Points

Practical Advice

To combat root causes of electoral violence, practical steps grounded in Monney’s vision can guide Ghana toward peaceful elections. Educationally, these build civic responsibility.

Promoting National Dialogue

Organize inclusive forums with political parties, civil society, and media. The National Peace Council (NPC) in Ghana has successfully mediated past tensions; expand this model pre-elections.

Media and Civic Education

As a former GJA leader, Monney urges media to promote ethical reporting. Launch campaigns teaching voters about peaceful participation, using schools and community centers.

Regulatory Measures

Enforce campaign finance transparency via the Electoral Commission (EC) to reduce desperation. Train security forces on de-escalation, as per EC guidelines.

Youth and Community Engagement

Involve youth in peace clubs, drawing from successful Kenyan models adapted locally, to foster a culture against violence.

Points of Caution

While introspection is vital, pitfalls must be avoided to prevent exacerbating election violence in Ghana.

• Avoid Partisan Blame: Dialogue should transcend finger-pointing, as it entrenches divisions.
• No Tolerance for Impunity: Naming and shaming alone fails; pair with justice without vengeance.
• Watch for Desperation Signals: Monitor rising rhetoric; early intervention prevents escalation.
• Resource Allocation: Don’t overburden civil society; government must lead with funding.
• Media Responsibility: Sensationalism fuels tempers—prioritize fact-based coverage.

Comparison

Comparing Ghana’s electoral violence to regional peers provides pedagogical insights. Ghana fares better than Kenya’s 2007 post-election crisis (1,200+ deaths) but shares desperation-driven patterns with Nigeria’s polls.

Ghana vs. Kenya

Kenya’s 2017 elections saw violence but led to Supreme Court annulment and reforms, unlike Ghana’s reactive cycles. Ghana’s NPC offers a stronger preventive framework.

Ghana vs. Other West African Nations

Sierra Leone post-2002 stabilized via truth commissions; Ghana could adopt similar introspection. In contrast, Côte d’Ivoire’s 2010-2011 violence (3,000 deaths) stemmed from similar power stakes, resolved through ICC interventions.

These comparisons highlight Ghana’s potential: proactive root-addressing can elevate its democratic stability.

Legal Implications

Legal frameworks directly apply to election violence Ghana, with verifiable enforcement challenges. Ghana’s 1992 Constitution (Article 21) guarantees assembly rights but prohibits violence. The Electoral Commission Act (Act 451) and Public Elections Regulations criminalize voter intimidation.

Firearms and Security Violations

The Interior Ministry’s 2020/2024 report implicates firearms bans under the Firearms Act (Act 489). Prosecutions have occurred, e.g., Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election 2019 cases, but low conviction rates underscore accountability gaps.

Accountability Mechanisms

Monney’s call aligns with the Right to Information Act for transparent investigations. Political parties face fines under EC codes for supporter violence, mandating compliance for electoral peace.

Strengthening these—via swift judicial processes—deters recurrence, as seen in limited successes post-2020.

Conclusion

Affail Monney’s plea for deeper national introspection on recurring election violence resonates as a blueprint for Ghana’s future. By confronting root causes—desperation, high-stakes politics, and superficial fixes—stakeholders can cultivate ethical democracy. The Interior Ministry’s evidence from 2020 and 2024 elections demands action: national dialogue, legal enforcement, and cultural shifts. Ghana’s vibrant press, led by voices like Monney, positions it to lead Africa in peaceful elections, ensuring democracy thrives without bloodshed.

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