Political violence in Ghana: trends, triggers and intervention strategies

The upsurge of political violence in Ghana is a threat to the prospects and consolidation of the country’s democratic credentials. The paper examined the triggers of political violence in Ghana and the possible intervention strategies using data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Dataset (ACLED) on political violence in Ghana from 2000 to 2021. The desire to satisfy basic human needs, for power, coupled with weak and politicized institutions and elite manipulation of local and national political systems, were some of the standout triggers of political violence. Based on this, the study suggests general economic growth and development; restoring confidence and transformation of state institutions such as the Electoral Commission, National Commission for Civic Education, Judicial Service, CHRAJ, and Peace Council; establishing a national early warning and early response system; and conducting public education on political and electoral processes as intervention strategies. These revelations require the implementation of interventions that should be geared towards addressing conditions that create the triggers as well as addressing and managing such issues when they arise.