The aftermath of Ghana’s recent elections has been marked by a surge in politically motivated disturbances, leaving many citizens worried about their safety, the stability of businesses, and the country’s ability to attract and retain investors. Despite Ghana’s long-standing reputation as a stable democracy in Africa, recent events have cast a shadow over this legacy, raising pressing concerns about when calm and normalcy will return.
The Member of Parliament for Bantama, Hon. Francis Asenso-Boakye, recently spoke out in Parliament about the urgent need to address these escalating acts of lawlessness. He described the current situation as “deeply troubling” and warned of the long-term consequences if decisive action is not taken.
“These incidents are not just isolated acts of violence; they are attacks on our democracy, our economy, and the very fabric of our society,” Asenso-Boakye lamented. “What remains uncertain is when these disturbances will end, so citizens can feel safe, businesses can thrive without fear of disruption, and investors can have confidence in Ghana’s stability.”
He highlighted several instances of post-election violence that have created a climate of fear and instability. In the Ayensuano Constituency, the office of the Electoral Commission was reportedly set ablaze by dissatisfied party supporters. Public institutions such as the Ghana National Gas Company and the Bui Power Authority were unlawfully invaded, with some public servants forcibly removed from their offices.
Closer to home in Bantama, Asenso-Boakye described incidents where operatives of the ruling party stormed local offices, including the National Health Insurance Authority, ejecting staff and locking premises. These disruptions extended to the Metro Mass Transit yard, where individuals sought to take control of assets and internally generated funds.
Perhaps most alarming was the intrusion at the AngloGold Ashanti Mines in Obuasi. Armed individuals stormed the facility, leading to violent clashes with security personnel that tragically resulted in the loss of lives and the destruction of private property.
The uncertainty surrounding the resolution of these events is causing widespread anxiety. Business owners fear the economic impact of instability, while potential investors may reconsider plans to expand or enter the Ghanaian market. For ordinary citizens, the violence disrupts daily life and threatens their sense of security.
Hon. Asenso-Boakye called on all stakeholders to act swiftly and decisively to restore peace. “We cannot allow these acts of violence to persist,” he said. “The longer we delay, the more we erode public trust, economic stability, and the confidence of investors who see Ghana as a beacon of hope in Africa.”
He urged political leaders, security agencies, and civil society organizations to collaborate in addressing the root causes of post-election violence. “We need a multi-stakeholder approach that not only holds perpetrators accountable but also ensures that such incidents do not recur,” he emphasized.
Citizens, too, have a role to play in restoring peace, Hon. Asenso-Boakye said. He appealed to the youth to resist being used as instruments of political violence and instead focus on building a brighter future for themselves and their communities.