Political Purges Leave Silent Victims in Their Wake

The Forgotten Victims: Ghana’s Silenced Political Casualties

Beyond the well-documented names in Ghana’s political history lies a darker, less examined legacy: the countless ordinary citizens who were executed, imprisoned, or financially ruined during waves of political purges. While history books commemorate fallen political leaders, these everyday Ghanaians have become footnotes, their stories rarely told despite revealing how propaganda and political expediency destroyed lives and undermined public trust in the nation’s justice system.

During Ghana’s turbulent political transitions, particularly following military coups and regime changes, accusations of corruption or betrayal often required little evidence to condemn citizens to harsh punishment. Court proceedings were frequently accelerated, evidence was scarce or fabricated, and sentences disproportionate to alleged offenses.

Records show that some individuals faced execution for what would now be considered routine business activities, such as securing loans or engaging in standard commercial transactions. The bar for what constituted “corruption” or “economic crimes” shifted with political winds, leaving many vulnerable to persecution for actions that were legal when performed.

“These victims were often professionals, civil servants, and entrepreneurs whose primary offense was being caught in the political crossfire,” explains Dr. Kwame Acheampong, a historian specializing in post-colonial Ghanaian governance. “Many had no political affiliations whatsoever but became convenient scapegoats during periods of revolutionary fervor.”

Public humiliation formed a critical component of these persecutions. Citizens were paraded before crowds, labeled as enemies of the state, and stripped of dignity before their execution or imprisonment. These public displays served to reinforce revolutionary narratives while deterring any potential opposition to the ruling powers.

The ripple effects extended far beyond the individuals directly targeted. Families lost breadwinners and faced severe financial hardship, often compounded by social stigma that could last generations. Children were denied educational opportunities, spouses lost employment, and entire communities experienced collective trauma.

“My father was taken one morning in 1979 and executed three days later,” recounts Elizabeth Mensah, whose family has spent decades attempting to clear his name. “He was an accountant accused of financial misconduct, but there was never a proper trial. We lost our home, our standing in the community, and my mother never recovered from the shame.”

These cases weren’t isolated incidents but reflected a pattern where revolutionary zeal and political propaganda systematically replaced due process and rule of law. The damage to Ghana’s institutional integrity was profound and continues to influence public skepticism toward judicial processes today.

Human rights advocates argue that acknowledging these silent victims is crucial not only for historical accuracy but for strengthening Ghana’s democracy. Truth-telling about past injustices builds civic resilience against future manipulation and propaganda. Several civil society organizations have called for national memorials or archives to honor these forgotten victims alongside more prominent historical figures.

“Restorative justice must include compensation for families who lost everything,” says Joseph Acquah of the Ghana Center for Democratic Development. “Many of these families continue to suffer economic disadvantages decades later, creating intergenerational poverty cycles directly linked to political persecution.”

Ghana’s Truth and Reconciliation efforts have made progress in addressing historical wrongs, but critics note that focus has remained primarily on high-profile cases rather than the more numerous everyday citizens who suffered similar fates.

As Ghana continues to strengthen its democratic foundations, confronting this painful chapter offers valuable lessons. Examining how propaganda was weaponized against ordinary citizens provides important safeguards against similar abuses in contemporary politics. For many families still seeking closure, recognition of their suffering represents a crucial step toward national healing.

“Justice for these silent victims is ultimately justice for Ghana’s collective memory and future,” says Professor Abena Koranteng of the University of Ghana. “A democracy that cannot honestly face its past injustices remains vulnerable to repeating them.”