Talensi By-Election & Violence

The Talensi by-election is over and the constituency has a new member of parliament in the person of Banson Tongo Baba of The National Democratic Congress. 

The Electorate in the constituency had to vote following the resignation the then MP Robert Nachinab Musore Nabelteng after his enskinment as Tongo Rana Kubilsong 39 thousand 523 eligible voters voted at 74 polling stations.  

The by-election drove all those who matter in the major political parties especially the NDC and the NPP to the constituency.  

President Mahama, Vice President Kwesi Amissah-Arthur, NPP Flag bearer, Nana Akuffo Addo and a host of party supporters outside the Upper East region were in the Talensi constituency to campaign for the candidates  

The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Mrs. Charlotte Osei and other Commissioners were also there to ensure everything went on smoothly. 

Various commentators have described the by-election as generally peaceful. It has however emerged that there were pockets of violence and that is worrying as we get closer to next year’s general elections.  

The two main parties are trading accusations as to who was violent at Talensi. One thing is clear the formation of some groups within political parties is becoming worrisome.  

Reports claim most of the trouble was between the alleged NDC affiliated Azoka Boys and the Bolga Bull Dogs who are said to be a group within the N.P.P. Violence has been replete in Ghana`s political history since independence.  

Harrowing stories of violence between supporters of the UP and CPP abound, stories of bombings including one that nearly claimed the life of our first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah at Kulungungu is well known. Since the advent of the fourth republic there have also been violent incidents.  

There have been serious injuries and some deaths too. Even though what happened at the Talensi by-election yesterday was not on a large scale, the use of offensive weapons such as guns, machetes and the like is scary.  

Even scarier is that the Azoka Boys and the Bull Dogs engaged in their violent acts in the full glare of members of the security services. If this could happen in a by-election then what can be said about a nationwide election next year? 

Political parties especially the NDC and NPP must discourage the formation of group that format trouble every time there is intense political activity, be it at the constituency or national level.  

It is heartwarming to hear that former President Jerry Rawlings is calling for the prosecution of perpetrators of the violence at the Talensi by-election irrespective of their party colours or affiliation.  

Political violence must be condemned by every Ghanaian because of the danger it poses to peace and stability, Politicians must also desist from interfering in investigations of the security agencies when their supporters are apprehended for violent acts. For now, the NPP and NDC are blaming each other for the violence.  

This is disgusting and shameful, more so when there have been statements by political leaders which could incite violence.  

Statements such as "all die be die" and others can be taken out of context, manipulated and misused by mischievous and misguided people within the political parties.  

Winning elections at all cost must give way to winning elections for the good and development of society and the nation.  

Let’s see political power as a tool to serve our people and not as a path to paradise. Victors in the by-election should be magnanimous in victory and the losers must accept defeat graciously.  

We must aspire to use political power for the benefit of the people, it is only then that the mentality of do and die in our politics will give way to a democratic dispensation devoid of violence.  

Ghana belongs to all of us and we need one another to develop our dear nation Ghana.  

Say no to political violence.

WRITTEN BY TEYE KITCHER A JOURNALIST