The Minority Caucus in Parliament has submitted a formal petition to President John Dramani Mahama, urging urgent and decisive executive intervention in two pressing national issues: the violence that marred the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun and the escalating environmental crisis caused by illegal mining, known locally as galamsey.
In their petition, grounded in the principles outlined in Chapter 6 of the 1992 Constitution, the Minority expressed alarm over what they described as a systematic erosion of democratic values during the July 11 rerun and an environmental catastrophe threatening the nation’s long-term survival.
Accusations of Electoral Misconduct
According to the petition, the by-election, intended to restore parliamentary representation, was overshadowed by widespread violence, intimidation, and what the Caucus described as “a coordinated subversion of the democratic process.” It alleges that masked individuals dressed in brown, military-style uniforms impersonated police officers and were involved in violent confrontations with actual members of the Ghana Police Service.
The Minority cited violent incidents at several polling centres, including St. Peter’s Society Methodist Church, Awoshie DVLA, and the Asiedu Gyedu Memorial School. Among the reported victims were former ministers Mavis Hawa Koomson and Dakoa Newman, and the parliamentary candidate Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie.
The Caucus further accused high-ranking public officials of promoting a culture of impunity. They singled out Dr Hanna Bissiw, Chief Executive of the Minerals Development Fund, and Malik Basintale, Acting CEO of the Youth Employment Agency, for making public remarks the Minority claims celebrated the violence.
Call for Accountability and Reforms
In response to these developments, the Minority called for the immediate dismissal and prosecution of officials found to be inciting or condoning electoral violence.
They also called for a full-scale, independent inquiry into the conduct of the police during the rerun, with special scrutiny on Chief Superintendent Fredrick Lumor Senanu.
Among their key demands was the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry under Article 278 of the Constitution to investigate the events of the by-election and recommend systemic reforms to prevent future occurrences.
They further urged the President to issue an official apology to the victims and take concrete steps to restore public trust in electoral institutions.
Galamsey and the Environmental Emergency
The petition also highlighted the rapid and destructive rise of illegal mining activities since the beginning of the year. Using data from civil society organisations such as A Rocha Ghana and Global Forest Watch, the Minority noted a 17% increase in river turbidity and a 9% decline in forest cover over a six-month period.
Citing the contamination of the Yonkamba stream in the President’s hometown of Bole Bamboi as a symbolic and literal warning sign, the Minority alleged widespread complicity by some District Chief Executives, security personnel, and political operatives who, they claim, provide cover for illegal mining operations.
Investigative findings by The Fourth Estate and IMANI Ghana were referenced to support the claim of an entrenched and politically protected network enabling galamsey.
Environmental Policy Demands
To address the growing crisis, the Minority proposed several measures, including the declaration of a national emergency in all illegal mining zones and the repeal of Legislative Instrument 2462, which they argue has been exploited to legalise galamsey activities.
They also called for the prosecution of all government and party officials found to be complicit, the formation of an independent multi-stakeholder commission to monitor anti-galamsey efforts, and the launch of a National Environmental Recovery Programme focused on reforestation, river rehabilitation, and community education.
In addition, the Minority urged for the strengthening of state institutions such as the Forestry Commission and the Water Resources Commission, which they argue have been rendered ineffective due to political interference and lack of resources.
National and International Implications
The petition warned that Ghana’s democratic credentials and environmental reputation are at stake. It referenced potential violations of international agreements such as the African Charter on Democracy, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the UN’s Convention on Biological Diversity.
The Minority also drew a connection between the unchecked violence and environmental degradation and Ghana’s declining global standing, cautioning that failure to act could lead to diplomatic consequences and deter foreign investment.
With by-elections looming and trust in public institutions waning, the Minority stressed the urgency of executive action to uphold democratic principles, ensure accountability, and preserve the nation’s natural resources for future generations.
