Honoring the Victims of Techiman South Electoral Violence
The tragic events of December 8, 2020, at the Techiman South collation center left a permanent scar on Ghana’s democratic conscience. As gunfire erupted during the vote collation process, lives were lost and others forever changed.
🧾 Victims of the Violence
The following individuals were either killed or severely injured during the incident:
Abdallah Ayarek – 18-year-old tragically killed while observing the vote collation.
Sulemana Elliasu – Suffered severe gunshot injury to his forearm.
Abubakari Iddrisu – Injured in his right fibula and tibia.
Alhassan Nasiru – Sustained injury to his right knee.
Aremeyaw Alhassan – Shot in the back of the head.
Alhassan Abdul-Rahman – Injured in the left hip.
Paul Asue – Also among the injured victims.
These names must not fade into silence. They are not just victims—they are symbols of a democracy that must do better.
🗳️ A National Call to Eschew Electoral Violence
As Ghana prepares for future elections, it is imperative that all political parties, their supporters, and leadership commit to peaceful conduct. Elections must be contests of ideas—not battlegrounds of intimidation.
🔔 Recommendations for Political Stakeholders
🕊️ Public Peace Pledges: All parties should sign and honor peace accords before every election.
📢 Civic Education Campaigns: Educate supporters on peaceful participation and conflict resolution.
🚫 Zero Tolerance for Provocation: Disciplinary action against party members who incite violence.
🤝 Cross-Party Dialogue Forums: Regular engagement to defuse tensions and build trust.
🛡️ Security Reform: Ensure police and military are trained in de-escalation and human rights.
🇬🇭 A Presidential Mandate for Peace
President John Dramani Mahama, as Commander-in-Chief, must lead by example:
🧭 Issue a Presidential Directive mandating peaceful conduct and accountability.
🕯️ Honor the Fallen with a national memorial and annual remembrance.
📜 Champion Electoral Reform to prevent future tragedies.
📖 Moral Reflection
As Scripture reminds us in Romans 12:18: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” And as Chinua Achebe once said, “Democracy is not just about elections—it is about the dignity of the people.”
Let Ghana choose dignity. Let Ghana choose peace.
Retired Senior Citizen
Teshie-Nungua
akpaluck@gmail.com
A Voice for Accountability and Reform in Governance
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