A Special Investigative Team (SIT) has been constituted by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, to investigate the killings that occurred during Ghana’s 2020 and 2024 general elections.
This action follows a directive from President John Dramani Mahama, who on January 10, 2025, called for a thorough investigation into the incidents that claimed lives during the two election periods, which occurred four years apart.
Sources within the Ghana Police Service indicate that the IGP promptly responded to the President’s directive by establishing a team of seasoned investigators at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters in Accra.
The SIT, chaired by Chief Superintendent Joseph Nanegbe, has been given a specific timeline to submit a detailed report on the killings.
In a formal letter to the President, Dr. Dampare assured that the police administration would provide all necessary resources to the team to ensure a transparent and comprehensive investigation.
Insiders within the police hierarchy disclosed that the investigation would build on previous efforts initiated by Dr. Dampare since his assumption of office in 2021.
Notably, the Cold Case Unit, which was established under his leadership, has been actively investigating unresolved crimes, including those tied to the 2020 electoral violence.
Reports suggest that the Cold Case Unit has already made significant progress in unraveling the 2020 election-related deaths, with some suspects currently facing prosecution.
The IGP’s office has expressed confidence that the SIT will build on these achievements to deliver justice for the victims and closure for their families.
President Mahama’s directive has been widely lauded as a critical step toward accountability and healing. His call for a deeper investigation reflects the need to uncover the truth behind the violence and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
The killings during the 2020 and 2024 elections have long been a source of public concern, with civil society organizations, human rights groups, and citizens demanding answers and justice.
The newly formed SIT’s work is expected to address these calls and provide a roadmap for preventing such tragedies in future elections.
The IGP’s commitment to transparency and accountability in this matter has been welcomed by many, as the nation eagerly awaits the outcome of the investigations.
