Ghana’s recent by-elections have been tainted by troubling incidents of violence, underscoring a dangerous challenge to the nation’s reputation as a stable democracy in West Africa. From confrontations between party supporters to assaults on candidates and journalists, these violent outbreaks threaten the integrity of the electoral process and erode public confidence.
A case in point is the recent Akwatia by-election, where clashes between senior party officials disrupted voting, raising concerns about the ability of security agencies to maintain order. Previously, the Ablekuma North rerun in 2025 saw assaults on female candidates and journalists, with reports of political thuggery being rampant. These incidents do not occur in isolation — they reflect a wider pattern where elections, particularly by-elections in politically strategic areas, turn into flashpoints for intimidation and violence.
The root causes include high political stakes in low-turnout elections, weak security oversight, and the continued use of party-affiliated “macho men” to influence outcomes by force. Despite laws against vigilantism and election violence, enforcement remains inconsistent, and perpetrators frequently evade prosecution, fueling a culture of impunity.
This cycle of violence threatens not only the immediate electoral outcomes but also the long-term democratic fabric of Ghana. It is imperative for the government, security agencies, political parties, and civil society to collaborate on stronger preventive measures, swift justice for offenders, and nationwide education on the importance of peaceful elections.
Without immediate and effective interventions, Ghana risks sliding away from its hard-earned democratic credibility, undermining the collective effort to build inclusive and transparent governance.