Minority walksout of Mid year budget presentation, petitions Mahama over electoral violence

The Minority is expressing deep concern over what they describe as a dangerous escalation in electoral violence and the unchecked rise of illegal mining activities—commonly known as galamsey—under his leadership.

The petition, submitted on Thursday, July 24, calls for swift presidential intervention to safeguard Ghana’s democracy, protect the environment, and uphold the integrity of state institutions.

A central focus of the petition is the parliamentary rerun held on July 11 in Ablekuma North, which the Minority described as marred by “premeditated and organized acts of violence.” They alleged attacks on opposition politicians, impersonation of security officers, and violent assaults on both electoral officials and journalists.

Specific incidents cited include:

1. Physical assaults on NPP figures including Mavis Hawa Koomson, Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie, and Dakoa Newman

2. The presence of armed individuals posing as security officers at polling stations such as St. Peter’s Society Methodist Church, Awoshie DVLA, and Asiedu Gyedu Memorial School

3. Reported attacks on media personnel from JoyNews and GHOne TV, one allegedly by a police officer

4. Violent confrontations involving members of the Ghana Police Service, especially at the Awoshie DVLA station

The petition also singled out two government officials—Dr. Hanna Bissiw and Mr. Malik Basintale—for allegedly endorsing or celebrating the violence through public statements and social media.

The Minority is demanding the immediate removal of both officials, the launch of an independent investigation into the Ghana Police Service’s role (with specific reference to Chief Superintendent Fredrick Lumor Senanu), and the arrest and prosecution of all individuals involved. They have also called for a Commission of Inquiry under Article 278 of the Constitution to investigate the disturbances and propose lasting reforms.

The Caucus warned that continued silence from the presidency could be perceived as tacit approval of the violence and called on President Mahama to publicly condemn the incidents and issue an apology to the victims.

The petition further raised the alarm over the resurgence of illegal mining, which the Minority described as an “ecological emergency” and a betrayal of national trust. Backed by data from A Rocha Ghana and Global Forest Watch, the Caucus reported:

A 17% rise in river turbidity

A 9% decline in forest cover within six months

They noted that major water bodies including the Pra, Offin, Ankobra, and Birim rivers are now in critical condition, and referenced the contamination of the Yonkamba stream in Bole Bamboi—President Mahama’s hometown—as a glaring symbol of the crisis.

The Minority accused various public officials, including some District Chief Executives and security personnel, of complicity in illegal mining operations.

Their demands on this front include:

•The declaration of a State of Emergency in all illegal mining areas

•The repeal of Legislative Instrument 2462, which they say facilitates illegal mining

•Prosecution of all government officials found to be involved

•The creation of an independent oversight body comprising civil society, religious leaders, and traditional authorities

•The rollout of a National Environmental Recovery Programme focused on afforestation and restoring Ghana’s polluted rivers

Concluding their petition, the Minority reminded the President of his constitutional duty to protect the nation’s democratic values, enforce the rule of law, and take decisive action in the face of national crises.

“May history remember this moment not for your silence, but for your courage to act,” the petition, signed by Deputy Minority Leader Hon. Patricia Appiagyei, read.

Copies of the petition have been forwarded to the Diplomatic Corps, key civil society organizations, and international development partners including the UNDP and the European Union.