The Minister for the Interior, Mr Mubarak Muntaka Mohammed, has instructed the Ghana Police Service to commence prosecutions against individuals involved in violent incidents during the 2020 and 2024 general elections, as well as recent by-elections.
He gave the directive on Friday, July 18, 2025, at the 17th Regional Commanders’ Conference held in Accra.
Mr Muntaka warned that delays in prosecuting electoral violence cases could erode public confidence in Ghana’s democratic process
“Our expectation, Mr IGP, is nothing short of seeing you start prosecution of these cases soon,” he told the Inspector General of Police, Mr Christian Tetteh Yohuno.
Mr Muntaka indicated that investigations into several of the incidents were at an advanced stage. He urged the Police Service to work closely with the Office of the Attorney General to expedite the legal processes.
“I have seen your report. In some of the cases, you’ve gone far. You are on the verge of prosecution. If there’s anything we need to do with the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, let’s do it and see people being prosecuted,” he said.
He recalled violent scenes that occurred during the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun and referenced the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election in 2019, where masked individuals believed to be national security operatives assaulted voters and disrupted the electoral process.
“Just as we assured citizens in Ablekuma North, the party leadership is fully with you. Do not spare the rod. Go through the videos, identify the perpetrators,” Mr Muntaka said. “Let us prove to the world that we are ready to prevent violence from becoming a feature of our elections.”
With the Akwatia by-election approaching, following the recent death of the sitting Member of Parliament, the Minister called for heightened police readiness to avoid disturbances.
“We must make sure our personnel are not only deployed in good numbers but are properly briefed and equipped to prevent and contain any election-related violence,” he added.
The Regional Commanders’ Conference brought together senior police officers from across the country.
Discussions included national security challenges such as illegal mining, armed robbery, police welfare, and the maintenance of peace during political activities.
