Greater Accra House of Chiefs condemn election violence

The Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs has condemned the violence that characterised the 2020 election in some constituencies. 

President of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs, Nii Okwei Kinka Dowuona VI, has admonished persons who disagree with the election results to resolve their issues using appropriate procedures prescribed by the law.

“We therefore unequivocally condemn the acts of violence and lawlessness related to the declaration of the election result that are being perpetrated. This is not a reflection of the Ghana we want to build for future generations,” the Paramount Chief of the Osu Traditional Area said in a statement on Friday, December 18.

The December 7 election was marked by over 60 reported incidents of violence including the firing of guns at various polling stations across the country.

The police recorded at least five deaths and several injuries within the period of the elections.

But tensions are still high as the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has rejected the results announced by the Electoral Commission (EC) which showed a win for the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).

The election management body pronounced President Nana Akufo-Addo of the NPP winner of the polls with 6, 730, 587 or 51.302%.

Former President Mahama of the NDC, on the other hand, had 6, 213, 182 or 47.359%.

Both parties won 137 seats with one independent candidate.

But the NDC insists that it won 140 seats and accused the EC of subverting the will of citizens by rigging the election for Mr Akufo-Addo.

They have subsequently embarked on a series of protests with violent clashes with police at the head office of the EC at least twice.

“We are, therefore, dismayed at the events that have unfolded before and after the declaration of the results by the Electoral Commission,” the chiefs lamented.

“We believe that these events will undermine the fundamental peace and freedom on which our country is founded and that which we all currently enjoy.”

International observer missions from AU, ECOWAS and UN have upheld the results and requested aggrieved parties to seek legal redress.

The chiefs believe continuous violence could stoke disunity, division and hatred- traits and must not be encouraged.

“Ghana has earned respect and admiration of many other nations due to the peaceful and lawful manner in which a previous election dispute was resolved.

“We, therefore, not only condemn these acts of violence and criminality but request that all well-meaning Ghanaian people who love this great nation should desist from engaging in them,” the release added.

“It is our collective responsibility to ensure that this country remains peaceful and continues to be a beacon of hope in Africa.

“Ghana is our only home so let us work together to ensure that, in the words of our national anthem, Ghana remains great and strong,” the statement said.