Veteran journalist Kwesi Pratt Jnr. has weighed in on the Inspector-General of Police’s recent submission of a detailed report on electoral violence to President John Dramani Mahama. His remarks followed confirmation that IGP Christian Tetteh Yohuno officially handed over the document to the president.
Posting on his verified X account on Monday, July 21, 2025, Pratt acknowledged the delivery of the report, while noting that its contents are not yet available to the public. He expressed hope that it contains all the necessary findings and insights needed to address recurring violence during Ghana’s political activities.
Reflecting on the country’s troubled history with political aggression, Pratt challenged the popular narrative that such violence only began in the 1990s. According to him, Ghana’s struggle with political brutality stretches far back into the pre-independence era. He cited violent acts by opponents of Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, including a deadly bombing at the Accra Sports Stadium which targeted schoolchildren, and the killing of civilians who supported the independence movement.
In his view, those who resort to violence during political contests are often those lacking meaningful ideas or policies to offer the public. Pratt suggested that when leaders are unable to connect with the needs of the people, they turn to intimidation and force instead.
He ended his commentary with a firm call to action, urging President Mahama to respond decisively to the findings of the IGP’s report. For Pratt, Ghana’s democracy can only thrive if bold steps are taken to safeguard lives, especially during elections, and if strong leadership is shown in confronting political violence head-on.
