President John Dramani Mahama has stated that the investigation into a few unsolved murders is making forward.
He claimed these include the assassination of investigative journalist Ahmed Hussein-Suale, the by-election violence in Ayawaso West Wuogon, and the killings connected to the 2020 elections.
President Mahama gave a nationwide address on Wednesday in Accra to inform the populace of the 120-day social pact he signed with the electorate in the lead-up to the 2024 General Election.
He stated that six years after the tragic murder of Ahmed Hussein-Suale, the Police Service made an arrest and the suspect was arrested before court and remanded.
In order to discourage others, then-candidate Mahama pledged in that 26-point agreement to restart investigations into murders connected to elections.
The murders of two people in Techiman, one in Odododiodoo, Ablekuma Central, Banda, Dorma West, and Savelugu are among the suspected crimes in the 2020 elections.
President Mahama reported that homicides had been reported in Tolon, Damongo, Awutu Senya East, Nkoranza South, Offinso North, and Ahafo Ano South West in relation to the 2024 elections. He claimed that the Ghana Police Service’s special squad was looking into the cases.
“These are senseless deaths that should never again happen in our nation. Elections are to choose leaders, not to murder our citizens. We are committed to ensuring accountability for political violence,” he emphasised.
President Mahama disclosed that the Attorney-General was drafting a report for the Cabinet that would provide suitable reparations for victims and their families who were allegedly complicit in the atrocities.
President Mahama pledged that “we will not let that matter die without justice being served to the victims” in reference to the violence that occurred during the January 31, 2019, Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election, in which 18 people were injured by those later identified as national security officers.
“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.” the President disclosed
“Robust background checks are ongoing for all recruits and serving personnel, and mandatory ideological reorientation sessions are planned to reinforce military neutrality, national unity, and constitutional loyalty,” he explained.
He emphasized the necessity of ridding the security forces of vigilante elements and individuals whose sole devotion is to the state.
President Mahama added that the Ghanaian Armed Forces have formed a board of inquiry to look into recent hiring practices in an effort to find inconsistencies and put corrective measures in place.
Source: newsthemegh.com