President John Dramani Mahama has announced the reopening of investigations into the infamous Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election violence.
The President declared that “justice will be served” for the victims of one of Ghana’s darkest days of political brutality.
Delivering a national address to mark 120 days since assuming office for his second term, President Mahama disclosed that ASP Samuel Kojo Azugu, then commander of the National Security SWAT team, whose operatives brutalised civilians during the January 31, 2019, by-election, is now cooperating with state investigators.
“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 in the violence,” President Mahama stated.
The President stressed that the reopening of this case and others is central to his government’s mission of restoring public trust in Ghana’s justice system.
“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 announced that the new Inspector General of Police had formed a special task force to lead the investigations.
“Progress is being made,” he noted.
On the 2019 murder of investigative journalist Ahmed Hussein-Suale, Mahama revealed a breakthrough. “Six years later, the Police Service made an arrest, and the suspect was arraigned before court and remanded,” the President said.
He also outlined the revival of several other cases long seen as stalled or abandoned.
“In Techiman South, where two lives were lost during the 2020 elections, investigations are ongoing. In Odododiodoo, three individuals have been charged with conspiracy and murder.
“In Ablekuma Central, where a military officer allegedly caused a death, the scene has been revisited, and the Chief of Army Staff has been requested to release involved personnel for investigation,” he detailed.
President Mahama said the case of Silas Wulochamey, previously closed for lack of evidence, has been reopened “based on actionable intelligence.” Similarly, the death of Kofi Robert in Dormaa West is back on the docket, with one suspect in custody and another on the run.
In Savelugu, where 16-year-old Zakaria Samira was killed by gunfire, President Mahama said, “Efforts are still being made to find the assailant, despite a lack of cooperation from witnesses.”
He also addressed violence from the most recent 2024 elections.
“Cases from Tolon, Damongo, Awutu Senya East, Nkoranza South, Offinso North, and Ahafo Ano South West are being investigated by the Special Task Force. These are senseless deaths that should never again happen in our nation,” he stressed.
President Mahama pledged that his administration would not allow political violence to go unpunished.
“Elections are to choose leaders, not to murder our citizens,” he said, announcing that the Attorney General is preparing a report to recommend compensation for victims and their families.
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