The National Coordinator of Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO), Mr Albert K. Arhin, has sounded a warning that the country is treading on dangerous grounds and could plummet into chaos if care is not taken.
Mr. Arhin’s warning comes on the heels of widespread reports of looting of state properties by unidentified individuals in the aftermath of the recent election declaration.
According to eyewitnesses, people were seen carting away fridges, television sets, deep freezers, and other state-owned properties from various districts, with no attempts made by onlookers to arrest the perpetrators.
Speaking at a press conference at CDD-Ghana office, Mr. Albert Arhin, the former Director of elections at the Electoral Commission (EC), expressed his deep concern about the development, stating that it has the potential to destabilize the country’s democratic gains.
“If we are not careful, we might one day wake up to find that we have thrown this country into chaos,” Mr Arhin warned. His statement highlights the need for urgent attention to address the underlying issues threatening Ghana’s democracy.
Rev. Fred Deegbe, the Co-Chair of CODEO, expressed concerns about vote-buying in Ghana’s elections. He highlighted the issue of some Members of Parliament allegedly paying huge sums, up to $625,000, to secure their seats.
According to him, the Ghana Police Service initially identified 4,098 potential flashpoints for electoral violence. However, the latest reports indicate a significant increase to 11,000 hotspots which is a disturbing trend and we must dealt with.
Rev. Fred Deegbe highlights Ghana’s unique electoral challenges, contrasting them with more peaceful processes in other African countries. He notes that Ghana’s elections often involve conflicts and violence, unlike other nations where winners are declared without issue.
Deegbe urges religious leaders to preach against electoral violence, emphasizing that destruction of property and violence are undemocratic.
Source: Bernard K Dadzie; Greater Accra Region
