National Security Minister Albert Kan Dapaah has warned that the 2024 elections may reveal a reluctance from the two major political parties, New Patriotic Party (NPP) and National Democratic Congress (NDC) to seek judicial redress for electoral disputes.
Addressing a forum on violent extremism and peace, Kan Dapaah highlighted a troubling trend: many leading political figures are expressing skepticism about the judiciary’s ability to handle election-related grievances effectively.
“The 2024 general elections will certainly test the strength of our democracy, our ability to prevent electoral violence given the high stakes involved where the two major political parties appear convinced about their prospects of emerging victorious. That obviously creates a security challenge for me.
“We may for the first time experience a situation where none of the major political parties will be willing to explore the courts to address their grievances. I have heard some senior people in the political space saying that they have lost faith in the court’s ability to address their concerns when it comes to elections,” Kan Dapaah said.
He urged for a more transparent electoral system to restore confidence among political players and the public.
In a related statement, Reverend Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, advised politicians to prioritize national peace over personal ambitions.
“Our advice and our suggestion goes first and foremost to those who are vying for power, please if you lose accept it,” he said.