African Union High Representative for Silencing the Guns, Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas
African Union High Representative for Silencing the Guns, Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambas, is urging Ghana’s political parties to act swiftly to end recurring acts of violence that continue to mar elections in the country.
Dr Chambas highlighted the troubling pattern of electoral violence, particularly in well-known hotspots that, he argued, could be anticipated and mitigated if the right actions were taken.
“Let’s face it, these incidents of violence are also limited to a known area. So, they are usually hotspots that we are able to identify well ahead of elections,” he noted on Accra-based JoyNews on July 14, 2025.
He explained that both the security agencies and independent analysts possess strong early warning systems capable of detecting potential flashpoints. The issue, he stressed, lies in the failure to act on that information.
“So we have very good early warning analysis to tell us where problems could arise, including by security agencies. I’m aware of all of that. So the issue is now to do the work that is required.”
Dr Chambas condemned the increasing attacks on senior political leaders, ministers, and other public figures, describing such actions as intolerable.
“But the scenes that we see, of attacking former leaders, senior leaders of political parties, ministers, and others, it’s just not tolerable. It’s unacceptable, and it’s a long list.”
He also emphasised the importance of engaging young people in peaceful political participation and educating them about their role in a democratic society.
“It requires dialogue, training, and engaging these youth constructively and positively to eschew violence and to understand what elections are about and what their role is,” he explained.
“The youth wing of a party has a role, to mobilise people, get people to come out and vote, and achieve a high turnout. There’s no question about that.”