The Africa Center for Democracy and Socioeconomic Development, CDS Africa has observed with great concern the violent clashes between supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Mamobi, on Saturday 13th October 2024. The typical keep-fit walk, which both parties organise every weekend as part of their campaign activities, ended abruptly when a group of motorbike riders encountered the supporters from the other side. This confrontation escalated into a violent altercation that resulted in injuries to nine individuals, stirring tensions within the community.
Such forms of aggression when unchecked threaten to destabilize our nation, erode trust in democratic institutions, and set a dangerous precedent for future political engagements. Political violence is not just an attack on individuals but an attack on Ghana's democracy, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty that can spread across the country, affecting the upcoming general elections. If these incidents are not addressed swiftly and decisively, the implications for national security are grave. Ghana’s security services, including the Ghana Police Service, National Security, and intelligence agencies such as the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI), must be more proactive in preventing and defusing politically motivated confrontations. The fact that the Mamobi clash which is one out of numerous incidents escalated without early intervention raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of the security agencies' intelligence gathering and monitoring systems. Security agencies must be prepared to act before such incidents spiral out of control, especially as the nation prepares for the December 7th general elections.
The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), whose primary responsibility is to educate citizens on their civic duties and democratic rights, must also shoulder some responsibility for these incidents. The recurrence of political violence suggests that the NCCE is not doing enough to promote a culture of tolerance and peaceful engagement in politics. While the NCCE has a mandate to ensure that citizens understand the importance of non-violence and the rule of law, these repeated clashes indicate that its efforts are falling short. The NCCE must intensify its outreach efforts, particularly in volatile areas, to emphasize the importance of peaceful coexistence and democratic engagement. Civic education should be a continuous and consistent effort, especially in the lead-up to elections. The NCCE must step up its game to ensure that Ghanaians are fully aware of the dangers of political violence and the critical role they play in maintaining peace and stability.
Moreover, other stakeholder institutions, such as political parties, civil society, and the media, must take a more active role in preventing the recurrence of these violent incidents. It is not enough to condemn such actions after they occur. Stakeholders must work together to create mechanisms that promote dialogue, ensure accountability, and prevent violence before it happens. Political leaders must take responsibility for the behaviour of their supporters and ensure that their campaigns promote peace, not division.
In conclusion, if Ghana is to maintain its status as a beacon of democracy in Africa, political violence must be swiftly nipped in the bud. Stakeholder institutions must take immediate action to ensure that the December 7 elections are conducted peacefully, without the threat of violence or intimidation. Ghana’s laws are clear: peaceful political engagement is permitted, but violence, intimidation, and lawlessness are not.
The upcoming elections are an opportunity to show the world that Ghana’s democracy is mature, resilient, and secure. By strengthening the roles of the NCCE, security agencies, and other key institutions, and by reinforcing the rule of law, we can ensure that incidents like the Mamobi clash are not repeated and that Ghana’s democracy continues to thrive in peace and stability.
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