We will fully implement report on election violence – Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has assured that his government will “fully implement the report on election violence,”. The president pledged justice and adequate compensation for all victims of the 2020 and 2024 election-related disturbances.

He stressed that accountability, fairness, and the well-being of affected families remain a top priority.

Speaking during a courtesy call by executives of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), President Mahama reiterated that his government will fully implement the report on election violence to ensure that justice is not only done but also seen to be done. He explained that the findings, which were submitted to him last week, provide a detailed account of all victims and the circumstances surrounding the violence.

“Last week, I received the investigative report on the two incidents. It details and catalogues everyone who was affected by the violence and the circumstances that led to it,” President Mahama said. He added: “We have handed it over to the Attorney-General. The Attorney-General will review it and, where necessary, hold people culpable and bring them to book.”

The President further highlighted that the government has tasked the Attorney-General to recommend compensation for victims, including families of those who died and individuals living with injuries. “What is the adequate compensation that we can give to people like that?” he asked, emphasising that such considerations would form part of the full implementation process.

President Mahama acknowledged that electoral violence has wide-reaching consequences, affecting not only political activists and innocent bystanders but also journalists carrying out their legitimate duties. “Journalists who were only performing their professional roles also suffered, and this is unacceptable in a democracy,” he noted.

The GJA delegation, led by its President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfuor, presented a number of concerns to the Presidency for redress. They commended the President for receiving them and welcomed the assurance of action on the report.

President Mahama reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to upholding peace and safeguarding the democratic process. “We cannot allow election violence to become a recurring feature of our democracy. We owe it to the victims, their families, and to future generations to ensure accountability and reform,” he declared.