The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has cautioned political leaders from Ghana’s two major parties the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC)—against the use of provocative language in the wake of violence that tainted the recent Ablekuma North election re-run.
In a strongly-worded statement, CODEO expressed concern over irresponsible rhetoric from leading party actors, saying such conduct reflects a lack of commitment to democratic norms and undermines efforts to curb electoral violence.
“It is clear that political party actors are unwilling to learn from the many years of election violent outcomes and the many victims it has produced in the Fourth Republic. This behavior is even more egregious given that the country is recovering from a difficult 2024 elections and transition, partly marred by electoral violence.” the statement read
The Coalition warned that the toxicity of Ghana’s political culture, if left unchecked, could destabilize the country’s democracy and erode public confidence in elections.
CODEO further decried the atmosphere of fear and disorder created by unauthorized groups and alleged party vigilantes who were allowed to roam freely around polling stations, some in unlicensed vehicles.
It questioned the ability and resolve of the Ghana Police Service in managing politically sensitive elections. The group further called on the Electoral Commission, the judiciary, security services, and political parties to urgently implement reforms and clamp down on violence, vigilantism, and impunity to ensure free and fair elections in the future.
CODEO reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring the electoral space and advocating for standards that safeguard transparency, peace, and inclusiveness in Ghana’s democratic processes