Samuel Abu Jinapor, the Member of Parliament for Damongo and Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, has successfully retained his parliamentary seat in the 2024 elections. Representing the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Jinapor secured his second term in office after a highly competitive contest.
The election saw Jinapor garner 16,222 votes, triumphing over his main rival, Adam Mutawakilu of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who obtained 14,425 votes. A total of 30,713 valid votes were cast, with 356 ballots rejected.
However, the celebrations of Jinapor’s victory were marred by violence in the Damongo Constituency, stemming from delays in the announcement of election results. Frustrated youth, expressing anger over the protracted declaration process, stormed the Damongo Municipal Collation Centre. In a dramatic escalation, the protesters set the Electoral Commission (EC) office ablaze, causing extensive damage to the building and its contents.
Tragically, the violence also resulted in the death of an NDC supporter, Sibannira Mukaila, who was reportedly shot during the chaos. Mukaila was rushed to St. Anne’s Catholic Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries shortly after receiving medical attention.
The Ghana Police Service swiftly intervened, arresting 12 individuals suspected of involvement in the violence, including the arson attack on the EC office. Authorities are conducting investigations to identify and prosecute those responsible for the destruction and loss of life.
The National Peace Council and the West Africa Network for Peace Building (WANEP) have condemned the violent incidents in the strongest terms. Both organizations have called on residents of Damongo to exercise calm and restraint, emphasizing the need for peaceful conflict resolution during electoral processes.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that the unrest was fueled by dissatisfaction among the youth over the delay in announcing the results. The agitation quickly spiraled out of control, resulting in significant destruction and a tragic loss of life.
In response to the incident, the Savannah Regional Electoral Commission (EC) has convened a Regional Inter-Party Advisory Committee (RIPAC) meeting to deliberate on the way forward regarding the election results. The commission has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring transparency and fairness in the electoral process, despite the challenges posed by the violent protests.
Meanwhile, Adam Mutawakilu, the NDC parliamentary candidate, has formally petitioned the Savannah Regional EC. In his petition, Mutawakilu argued that he had not authorized any individual or group to sign agreements on his behalf regarding the election results. This development has added another layer of complexity to the already contentious election in the Damongo Constituency.
The violence in Damongo has reignited concerns about the recurring challenges associated with elections in Ghana, particularly in constituencies that experience heightened tensions during polling periods. The destruction of the EC office and the loss of life underscore the urgent need for stronger measures to prevent electoral violence and ensure the safety of all stakeholders.
Stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organizations, and traditional authorities, have reiterated calls for peace and dialogue. The events in Damongo serve as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining a peaceful atmosphere during elections, where the focus should remain on upholding democratic values and the will of the people.
As investigations into the violence continue, authorities are urging residents to cooperate with law enforcement agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice. The police have also intensified patrols in the area to prevent further unrest and restore a sense of security in the community.
Despite the challenges, Samuel Abu Jinapor’s re-election marks a significant milestone for the NPP in the Damongo Constituency. His victory reflects the support he continues to enjoy from constituents, even in the face of fierce competition from his opponents.
Jinapor has expressed gratitude to the people of Damongo for entrusting him with another term in office. He has pledged to work tirelessly to address the pressing needs of his constituents and contribute to the development of the constituency.
As tensions ease and normalcy gradually returns to Damongo, the focus now shifts to rebuilding and fostering unity among residents. The aftermath of the violence serves as an opportunity for stakeholders to reflect on the lessons learned and implement strategies to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Savannah Region, like other parts of Ghana, must strive to uphold the principles of democracy by ensuring that elections are conducted in a peaceful and transparent manner. The events in Damongo highlight the need for continuous voter education and sensitization campaigns to promote non-violence and respect for electoral processes.
As Ghana continues its democratic journey, the Damongo incident stands as a reminder of the collective responsibility of all citizens to safeguard the nation’s peace and stability. It also underscores the critical role of leadership in fostering an environment of trust and cooperation, especially during periods of political transition.
The path forward requires unity and collaboration among all stakeholders to address the root causes of electoral violence and build a stronger, more resilient democracy for future generations.
