Organised crime poses a significant threat to Ghana's stability and democracy, according to a warning issued by the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC). Despite efforts to address issues such as drug peddling, money laundering, corruption, and illegal mining, these activities continue to undermine the country's security.
Madam Beauty Emefa Narteh, the Executive Secretary of GACC, highlighted the heightened risk of nefarious activities during political seasons, with some political actors funding their campaigns from questionable sources. As Ghana prepares for the 2024 elections, she called on the public to take a stand against these crimes in order to safeguard the country's security and democracy.
The warning was sounded at a pre-election forum titled "Safeguarding Ghana’s stability against serious Organised Crime threats," organized by GACC in collaboration with the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII) and the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), with support from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). The forum aimed to empower the public to contribute to the fight against organised crime.
Madam Narteh acknowledged that Ghana's elections have generally been considered free and fair since the restoration of democracy in 1992. However, she also noted that allegations of abuse of office, misuse of state resources, election-related corruption, and violent confrontations have marred electoral progress. The 2020 elections, for example, saw allegations escalate into conflicts and fatalities, with five deaths occurring on election day.
In light of these challenges, Madam Narteh emphasized the need for collective action to ensure that the 2024 elections are free from such incidents. She urged all stakeholders to join the crusade for a transparent and peaceful electoral process.
The GACC's warning serves as a timely reminder of the importance of addressing organised crime to safeguard Ghana's stability and democracy. As the country prepares for the upcoming elections, it is imperative that measures are taken to combat these threats and uphold the integrity of the democratic process. The involvement of both domestic and international stakeholders will be crucial in achieving this goal.
In conclusion, the GACC's call to action underscores the urgency of addressing organised crime in Ghana. By working together to combat these threats, stakeholders can help ensure that the 2024 elections are conducted in a transparent, peaceful, and fair manner. It is essential that efforts to tackle organised crime are prioritized to safeguard Ghana's stability and democracy.
-source GNA | curated by Tetteh Belinda | Ghana Crimes
