A private legal practitioner, Lawrence Kwesi Botchway Jnr., has formally petitioned President John Dramani Mahama to establish a Commission of Enquiry to investigate the violence that marred the Ablekuma North parliamentary election rerun held on July 11, 2025. The petition, submitted on July 15, 2025, and addressed to the Presidency with copies to the Council of State and the Speaker of Parliament, invokes Article 278(1)(a) of the 1992 Constitution, empowering the President to commission inquiries into matters of public interest. Botchway argues that the rerun, necessitated by unresolved results from the 2024 general elections, was plagued by violence, intimidation, and human rights violations demanding urgent and impartial investigation.
The petition details several graphic incidents supported by video evidence, alleging a “coordinated campaign of violence” targeting party officials, journalists, and election observers. A key incident highlighted is the assault on former Member of Parliament and Minister of State, Mavis Hawa Koomson, who was attacked by over 20 unidentified men at a polling station despite having accreditation to monitor the elections. The petition also cites attacks on journalists, including Joy News’ Sally Martey, who was slapped and shoved during a live broadcast, and Amansan TV’s Vida Wiafe, who was pepper-sprayed by security officers, causing her to collapse. Other victims include GHOne journalists and the Deputy National Organizer of the NPP, all subjected to unprovoked physical assaults.
Botchway contends that these incidents constitute violations of fundamental human rights, abuse of power, and unfair treatment, meriting the President’s attention and action under Article 278. The petition emphasizes the threat electoral violence poses to Ghana’s democratic credentials, noting the nation’s persistent struggle to ensure violence-free elections despite over three decades of democratic governance. Drawing a parallel to the 2019 Commission of Enquiry established after the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election violence, Botchway urges proactive intervention, arguing that Ghana shouldn’t wait for further deterioration before addressing the recurring issue of electoral violence.
The petition outlines several key demands, including investigations into the violations of fundamental rights and freedoms suffered by the individuals named in the petition, who endured unfair treatment and grave injustices during the rerun. It also calls for an investigation into the alleged abuse of power by Ghana Police Service personnel, particularly in incidents involving journalists assaulted while performing their duties. Furthermore, the petition questions the absence of the National Election Security Taskforce (NESTF) during the rerun, arguing that this lack of security presence represents a significant breach of responsibility under the election security framework.
Another crucial aspect of the petition is the call for an investigation into the role of the Minister for the Interior, particularly regarding any instructions or orders that might have influenced the conduct complained of. Botchway suggests potential negligence in oversight or a lack of leadership in preventing or responding effectively to the violence. He seeks compensation for the victims, to be determined by the President or the commission of inquiry based on the findings and severity of the injustices suffered.
In conclusion, the petition underscores the gravity of the situation, emphasizing that the issues raised transcend individual grievances and touch upon fundamental principles of justice, accountability, and the rule of law. Botchway urges presidential action in the public interest, arguing that the establishment of a Commission of Enquiry is essential to thoroughly investigate the Ablekuma North rerun violence, address the underlying causes, and prevent future occurrences. He believes this is crucial to safeguarding Ghana’s democratic values and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.
