The Chairman of the Human Rights Committee of Parliament and Member of Parliament for Kumawu, Hon. Ernest Yaw Anim, has issued a strong call to Ghanaians to refrain from electoral violence and election-related misconduct, emphasizing that such actions threaten the nation’s democracy, human rights, and sustainable development.
Speaking in response to violent incidents reported during the Ablekuma North electoral process held across 19 polling stations on Friday, July 11, 2025, Hon. Anim condemned the acts, describing them as deeply troubling and counterproductive to Ghana’s democratic progress.
“These acts not only undermine the integrity of our democratic processes but also contravene both national and international legal frameworks,” Hon. Anim stated. He referenced Article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), as well as Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, which guarantees every citizen’s right to life, liberty, and personal security.
He urged all key stakeholders — including the Government, political parties, security agencies, the Electoral Commission, and the National Peace Council — to collaborate on building an effective electoral management architecture that prevents violence before, during, and after elections.
In a related development, Hon. Anim commended the Ghana Police Service for initiating an investigation into the actions of a police commander who reportedly assaulted a journalist during the elections. He condemned the assault and affirmed the Human Rights Committee’s commitment to holding violators of human rights accountable.
“The Committee will continue to speak out against acts that infringe upon the rights, freedoms, and dignity of Ghanaians,” he assured.
Hon. Anim’s comments come at a time when the country is preparing for the 2026 general elections, with growing calls from civil society and the international community for peaceful and credible electoral processes.
Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Ebenezer Madugu
