Nine Individuals Arrested for Setting Fire to EC Office in Ayensuano

The Ghana Police Service has arrested nine individuals in connection with the recent attack on the Electoral Commission (EC) office in Ayensuano, Eastern Region, following the heightened tensions after the announcement of the election results on December 9. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and concern, particularly due to the nature of the attack and the impact it has had on the electoral process.

The suspects, who reportedly set fire to the Electoral Commission’s office, did so during a protest that erupted in the wake of the December 7 general elections. The attack led to the destruction of critical electoral materials, including devices and documents that were crucial to the conduct of the elections. The act of arson has raised concerns about the safety and security of electoral institutions and has drawn condemnation from various sectors of society, who have expressed their shock and dismay over the vandalism.

According to reports, the incident was part of a series of disturbances that took place across the country following the declaration of the election results. While protests and demonstrations are common in the aftermath of elections, the level of violence displayed in this case, especially the destruction of government property, has raised alarms among law enforcement and the general public alike.

In response to the attack, Chief Inspector Priscilla Nkrumah Peprah of the Ghana Police Service confirmed that nine individuals had been arrested in connection with the arson at the EC office in Ayensuano. This brings the total number of arrests made in relation to the post-election disturbances to 106. All suspects are currently undergoing the necessary legal processes, as the police work to ensure that justice is served. Chief Inspector Peprah assured the public that the police are fully committed to maintaining law and order throughout the country, particularly during this period of heightened tension following the elections.

“The Ghana Police Service has arrested nine suspects in connection with the fire at the Electoral Commission office in Ayensuano in the Eastern Region. This arrest brings the total number of suspects arrested for post-election disturbances to 106, all of whom are undergoing due legal processes. We wish to once again assure the public that the police, together with other security agencies, are dedicated to maintaining peace, law, and order in our communities,” she stated.

The attack on the EC office in Ayensuano is just one of several incidents of violence and unrest that have occurred in the wake of the 2024 general elections. While the country’s democratic process has largely been peaceful, sporadic incidents of violence and vandalism have marred the overall atmosphere, particularly in regions where election results have been contested or where protests have erupted. The police have responded by making multiple arrests and promising to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The Ghana Police Service has also urged the public to remain calm and refrain from taking part in any violent activities, emphasizing that protests and demonstrations should be conducted peacefully and within the bounds of the law. They have called on citizens to respect the electoral process and to work together in maintaining the country’s democratic principles.

The recent unrest, including the arson at the Ayensuano EC office, has also prompted calls for greater security measures to protect electoral institutions and officials, as well as to prevent further violence from erupting. Many observers have stressed the importance of safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process, particularly as the country moves forward with the transition of power and the ongoing legal processes related to the elections.

As investigations into the attack continue, the public is waiting to see the outcomes of the legal proceedings, with many hopeful that justice will be served, and those responsible for the destruction of public property will be held accountable. The Ghana Police Service’s swift action in apprehending suspects and ensuring that the rule of law is upheld has been viewed positively, but the challenges of maintaining peace and security in a politically charged environment remain significant.

The recent events in Ayensuano serve as a reminder of the challenges that can arise in the aftermath of contentious elections. While the Ghana Police Service has made strides in addressing the unrest, the country must continue to prioritize peace and the protection of its democratic institutions. The swift resolution of these incidents will be crucial in maintaining public trust in the electoral system and ensuring a smooth and peaceful transition of power.