Political Impunity Fueling Election Violence in Ghana: Insights from Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante

Introduction

In Ghana’s maturing democracy, election violence remains a persistent threat, often exacerbated by political impunity. Renowned political scientist Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante from the University of Ghana has pinpointed this culture of unpunished political expediency as the root cause of recurring election violence in Ghana. During a recent appearance on ExcitementNews’ AM Show, he highlighted how successive governments’ failure to prosecute offenders allows violent acts to proliferate across electoral cycles, including the 2020 and 2024 general elections.

This analysis draws from a new Interior Ministry report documenting 15 deaths and over 40 injuries linked to firearm use by police, military personnel, and party supporters. Dr. Asah-Asante’s commentary underscores the urgent need for accountability to safeguard Ghana’s democratic progress. Understanding political impunity in elections is crucial for voters, leaders, and institutions aiming to foster peaceful power transitions.

Analysis

Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante’s critique of political impunity fueling election violence provides a pedagogical framework for dissecting Ghana’s electoral challenges. Impunity, in this context, refers to the systematic avoidance of legal consequences for electoral misconduct due to political motivations. He explains that when perpetrators—often party supporters or security personnel—escape punishment after securing electoral victories, it creates a vicious cycle.

Historical Context of Election Violence in Ghana

Ghana has transitioned from military rule to multiparty democracy since 1992, earning praise for largely peaceful elections. However, incidents like the 2020 election violence, where eight people were shot, exemplify lapses. Dr. Asah-Asante lamented, “You saw how 8 people were shot in the 2020 election. What has happened to that? We sat down here, we discussed it, but end of story.” This lack of follow-through emboldens future violations.

The Interior Ministry’s report on 2020 and 2024 election violence reveals a pattern: firearms wielded by state security and political actors caused fatalities across multiple regions. Such data verifies that impunity isn’t anecdotal but systemic, eroding public trust in institutions like the Electoral Commission and security forces.

Mechanisms of Political Expediency

Political expediency prioritizes short-term gains over long-term stability. Dr. Asah-Asante notes that leaders shield allies involved in violence to maintain loyalty, fostering a norm where electoral laws are flouted. This analysis aligns with democratic theory, where accountability mechanisms—judicial independence, transparent investigations—are essential to deter misconduct.

Summary

Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante attributes Ghana’s election-related violence to entrenched political impunity, citing unprosecuted 2020 shootings and the Interior Ministry’s findings of 15 deaths in 2020-2024 polls. He advocates societal demand for sanctions, issue-based campaigns, and leader responsibility to prevent recurrence and strengthen democracy.

Key Points

Practical Advice

To combat political impunity in Ghanaian elections, practical steps grounded in Dr. Asah-Asante’s recommendations can empower citizens and institutions. Education is foundational: Voters should prioritize platforms promoting peaceful competition.

Steps for Voters and Civil Society

1. Demand Transparency: Petition the Electoral Commission and Interior Ministry for public updates on investigations into election violence cases.
2. Promote Voter Education: Support NGOs like the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) in campaigns emphasizing non-violent participation.
3. Monitor Polling: Join accredited observer groups to document incidents, providing verifiable evidence for accountability.

Institutional Reforms

Strengthen the National Peace Council by mandating swift responses to threats. Implement digital reporting tools for real-time violence alerts, as piloted in past elections. Dr. Asah-Asante stresses, “If we, as a society, rise and demand accountability, I’m sure we’ll go a long way.” These actions build a culture of rule adherence.

Points of Caution

Dr. Asah-Asante issues stark warnings against complacency. Political leaders must refrain from inflammatory rhetoric that incites supporters, only to disown them post-victory. Supporters risk abandonment, while society faces democratic erosion.

• Avoid Incitement: Campaign speeches should focus on policies, not tribal or adversarial divides.
• Security Neutrality: Police and military must uphold impartiality; partisan involvement, as per the report, invites chaos.
• Societal Vigilance: Ignoring impunity normalizes violence, threatening Ghana’s status as a democratic beacon in West Africa.

Comparison

Comparing 2020 vs. 2024 election violence in Ghana highlights impunity’s toll. The 2020 polls saw eight confirmed shooting deaths with zero prosecutions, per Dr. Asah-Asante. The Interior Ministry report aggregates both cycles, noting 15 total deaths—suggesting escalation or persistence despite interventions like the National Elections Conference.

Trends and Patterns

This comparison reveals unchanged dynamics: Firearm access remains unchecked, underscoring the need for stricter controls during elections.

Legal Implications

Ghana’s legal framework addresses election violence through the Criminal Offences Act (1960), Public Elections Regulations (2016), and the Firearms Act. Section 244 of the Criminal Offences Act penalizes unlawful assembly causing violence, while electoral laws mandate security neutrality.

However, enforcement gaps—lacking witness protection or expedited trials—fuel impunity. The Interior Ministry report implies potential violations warranting Special Prosecutor’s intervention under the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act (2017). Prosecuting high-profile cases could set precedents, deterring future breaches and upholding constitutional rights to free, fair elections (1992 Constitution, Article 55).

Conclusion

Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante’s analysis illuminates how political impunity fuels election violence in Ghana, from unaddressed 2020 tragedies to 2024’s documented fatalities. By embracing accountability, issue-based politics, and legal enforcement, Ghana can fortify its democracy. Citizens hold the power: Rise, demand justice, and ensure elections remain contests of ideas. This pedagogical imperative protects gains from three decades of democratic practice.

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