President John Mahama says his government is taking bold steps to deliver long-awaited justice in some unresolved criminal cases, including the killings linked to elections, Ahmed Hussein-Suale, and other politically charged incidents.
Delivering a national address on his first 120 days in office on Wednesday, he said justice is vital for national healing and restoring public trust in the country’s institutions.
“Delivering justice is crucial for national healing and trust in our institutions,” President Mahama said.
“We promised to reopen investigations into major unresolved criminal cases, including the 2020 election killings, Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election violence, and the murder of Ahmed Hussein-Suale and Silas Wulochamey.”
He disclosed that the new Inspector General of Police has established a special task force, and that investigations have been formally reopened.
“Progress is being made,” he assured.
For the first time in six years, a breakthrough has been reported in the killing of investigative journalist Ahmed Hussein-Suale, he said
“The Police Service made an arrest, and the suspect was arraigned before court and remanded,” Mahama confirmed.
He also listed other high-profile cases receiving fresh scrutiny.
“Investigations are ongoing into the election 2020 Techiman South incident, where two lives were lost,” he said.
“In Odododiodoo, where two persons died, three individuals have been charged with conspiracy and murder and committed for trial at the High Court.”
In Ablekuma Central, where a military officer allegedly caused the death of a civilian, Mahama said the scene has been revisited.
“A request was made to the Chief of Army Staff for the release of personnel involved to assist in investigations,” he noted.
President Mahama said the case of Silas Wulochamey, a teacher killed in Banda, has also been revived.
“The Attorney-General’s office previously advised against prosecution due to lack of evidence, but we have reopened the case based on actionable intelligence.”
In Dormaa West, Mahama reported that one suspect is on trial over the death of Kofi Robert, while the other remains at large.
In Savelugu, efforts continue to identify the shooter who killed 16-year-old Zakaria Samira, despite what the president described as “lack of cooperation from witnesses.”
The president made a strong pledge not to let the January 31, 2019, Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election violence be forgotten.
“We will not let that matter die without justice being served to the victims,” he vowed.
“ASP Azugu, who was deeply involved in the violence and atrocities on the day, is currently cooperating with the National Investigations Bureau to identify, arrest and prosecute all those involved.”
Mahama said similar probes are underway into the 2024 election-related violence in constituencies like Tolon, Damongo, Awutu Senya East, Nkoranza South, Offinso North, and Ahafo Ano South West.
“These are senseless deaths that should never again happen in our nation. Elections are to choose leaders, not to murder our citizens,” he said passionately.
“We are committed to ensuring accountability for political violence.”
He added that the Attorney General is preparing a report for Cabinet to propose compensation for victims and the families of those killed or harmed during these incidents.
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