Minority Petitions Mahama Over Electoral Violence, Galamsey Surge; Demands Urgent Executive Action

The Minority Caucus in Parliament has formally petitioned President John Dramani Mahama, raising the alarm over what it describes as the “deepening crisis” of electoral violence and the unchecked spread of illegal mining—commonly referred to as galamsey—under his administration.

In a comprehensive document submitted on Thursday, July 24, 2025, the Caucus is calling for swift and decisive action from the presidency to “safeguard Ghana’s democracy, protect the environment, and restore institutional trust.”

The petition, signed by Deputy Minority Leader Hon. Patricia Appiagyei, highlights two urgent matters: the July 11 Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun marred by violence and a rapidly worsening environmental crisis fuelled by illegal mining operations across the country.

1. Electoral Violence During Ablekuma North Rerun

The Minority paints a grim picture of the rerun election in the Ablekuma North Constituency, describing it as a “premeditated, coordinated assault on Ghana’s democratic process.”

They cite several incidents of intimidation, impersonation, and physical violence allegedly carried out by armed individuals posing as security personnel. Notable among the reported incidents were

• The assault of senior NPP figures, including former MPs Mavis Hawa Koomson, Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie, and Dakoa Newman.
• Armed men in fake police and military uniforms were seen operating at polling centres such as St. Peter’s Society Methodist Church, Awoshie DVLA, and Asiedu Gyedu Memorial School.
• Attacks on journalists from JoyNews and GHOne TV, with one media professional reportedly assaulted by a police officer.
• A violent confrontation involving members of the Ghana Police Service at the Awoshie DVLA polling station.

The Caucus further accused two senior government officials—Dr. Hanna Bissiw, CEO of the Minerals Development Fund, and Mr. Malik Basintale, Acting CEO of the Youth Employment Agency—of publicly endorsing the violence on social media and in public statements.

Demands from the Minority

• Immediate dismissal of Dr. Hanna Bissiw and Malik Basintale.
• An independent probe into the Ghana Police Service’s conduct, particularly the role of Chief Superintendent Fredrick Lumor Senanu.
• Arrest and prosecution of all individuals involved in the violence.
• The establishment of a Commission of Inquiry under Article 278 of the Constitution to investigate the events and propose reforms.

The petition warns that the President’s continued silence could be construed as “tacit approval” of the violence, urging him to publicly denounce the incidents and issue an apology to the victims and the nation.

2. Galamsey: ‘A National Betrayal’

The second major concern in the petition revolves around the resurgence of illegal mining activities, which the Minority describes as “an ecological emergency” threatening Ghana’s water bodies, forests, and national survival.

The Caucus referenced data from A Rocha Ghana and Global Forest Watch indicating:

• A 17% increase in turbidity levels in Ghana’s rivers, signalling dangerous pollution.
• A 9% forest cover loss within the last six months alone.

Key rivers cited as being under serious threat include the Pra, Offin, Ankobra, and Birim. In a symbolic gesture, the Minority pointed to the contamination of the Yonkamba stream in Bole Bamboi—President Mahama’s hometown—as reflective of how pervasive the crisis has become.

The petition also accused some district chief executives, police and military officers, and party operatives of colluding with illegal miners to plunder natural resources with impunity.

Demands on the Galamsey Front

• Declaration of a state of emergency in all illegal mining zones.
• Repeal of Legislative Instrument (LI) 2462, which the Minority claims legitimises illegal mining under the guise of community mining.
• Swift prosecution of all public officials complicit in the galamsey network.
• Formation of an independent national oversight body comprising civil society, traditional authorities, and religious groups.
• Launch of a National Environmental Recovery Programme focused on afforestation and restoration of rivers and degraded lands.

A Constitutional Call to Duty

In closing, the Minority Caucus urged President Mahama to rise above partisan politics and act in accordance with his constitutional obligations.

“May history remember this moment not for your silence, but for your courage to act,” the petition read.

Copies of the petition have been sent to the Diplomatic Corps, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the European Union, and leading civil society and human rights organisations.

As the political and environmental tensions escalate, the spotlight now shifts to the presidency for a response that could shape public confidence in governance and the rule of law in the coming months.

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