President John Dramani Mahama has called for urgent investigations into how Electoral Commission (EC) ballot papers and other sensitive election materials end up in unauthorised hands during general elections.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Post-Election Conference organised by the National Peace Council in Koforidua, President Mahama said the integrity of Ghana’s electoral process must be protected at all levels.

“We must not sweep issues under the carpet. We must investigate how authentic ballot papers of the Electoral Commission and other electoral material fall into unauthorised hands during general elections,” he stated.

He condemned all acts of electoral violence and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to ensuring accountability for such incidents. “Let me use this platform to unequivocally condemn these acts of violence and call for swift accountability for the perpetrators,” the President said.

President Mahama disclosed that the Inspector General of Police has been tasked to expedite investigations into electoral-related violence, while the Attorney General is preparing a report to be presented to Cabinet for adequate compensation to be paid to victims and the families of those affected.

He stressed the importance of maintaining public trust in Ghana’s democracy, urging political stakeholders and institutions to take bold steps in addressing electoral malpractice and violence.

“Violence still thrives when grievances are left unresolved, when institutions are perceived to be biased, and when political discourse becomes toxic. We must confront these challenges boldly,” President Mahama said.

The conference, held under the theme “Dialoguing for a Stronger Democracy and Social Cohesion,” brought together key political actors, religious leaders, and civil society organisations to reflect on the 2024 general elections and propose reforms to safeguard Ghana’s peace and democratic growth.