Accra, Ghana – President John Dramani Mahama has formally ordered an investigation into the deaths recorded during Ghana's 2020 and 2024 general elections, sparking widespread national attention. The request, made through his Executive Secretary, was forwarded to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, encouraging the police to look into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The request for a probe comes after a number of reports reporting fatalities in various parts of the country during the elections, raising concerns about electoral violence, security flaws, and the safety of voters and election workers. Mahama's call comes amid rising political tensions in Ghana, notably following the contentious 2020 general elections, which were marked by allegations of fraud, violence, and intimidation. With the 2024 elections looming, electoral violence is a major concern for both political parties and voters.

The Deaths During the 2020 and 2024 Elections

Several acts of violence were reported during the 2020 general elections across the country, resulting in the deaths of some people. These killings happened during politically tense events, with reports indicating fights between followers of competing political parties, particularly the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). The deaths were linked to a variety of circumstances, including disagreements over election results, clashes between party supporters, and events involving security forces assigned to keep order.