Vigilantism, Youth Unemployment, and Electoral Violence in Ghana
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54536/jrme.v1i1.7014Keywords:
Electoral Violence, Ghana, Political Vigilantism, Political Violence, Youth UnemploymentAbstract
This study explores the interconnected issues of political vigilantism, youth unemployment, and their impact on electoral violence in Ghana. Grounded in the frustration-aggression theory, the research investigates how these factors contribute to electoral instability, focusing on the Central Region during the 2020 general elections. Primary data from 100 members of political vigilante groups and other relevant stakeholders, complemented by secondary sources and recent case studies, reveal that youth unemployment significantly fuels vigilantism and electoral violence. The findings suggest that socio-economic frustrations, coupled with weak institutional responses, exacerbate political violence. The study underscores the need for comprehensive policy interventions to promote youth empowerment, strengthen institutions, and strictly regulate vigilante activities.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Charles Ohene-Amoh, Prince Albert Koomson (Author)

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