The Minister for the Interior, Alhaji Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak (MP), announced today that the government is fully committed to implementing the report of the commission on the Ayawaso West Wuogon election violence to ensure justice prevails, while also assuring the nation that those responsible for the violence during the 2020 and 2024 general elections will be held accountable.
The Minister revealed a total of 15 deaths and 39 injuries were recorded across 12 cases of electoral violence during the two election periods: 8 deaths and 30 injuries in 2020, and 7 deaths and 9 injuries in 2024. A Special Investigation Task Force has identified 21 suspects, with four currently on police bail and five remanded into prison custody. Regarding the legal status of the cases, four are currently in court, three are still under investigation, three have been forwarded to the Attorney General’s office for advice, and two have been settled by the involved parties.
Alhaji Mohammed-Mubarak also noted instances where security personnel used live ammunition in some cases, leading to deaths and injuries, and stated that the use of firearms by security personnel was not always justified. The report recommends police receive orientation to desist from using lethal force in crowd control, properly coordinate election security management to determine when force is required, and suggested that the military’s involvement in crowd control activities should cease to avoid high-handedness.
The government has further been recommended to compensate the families of the deceased and those who suffered injuries. The Minister assured the public that the Government, under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, is committed to upholding the rule of law.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
