By Alex Ababio
The Minority Caucus in Ghana’s Parliament has submitted a formal petition to President John Dramani Mahama, demanding immediate executive intervention in response to what they call a dual national crisis—violent disruptions during the Ablekuma North by-election and the deepening environmental catastrophe caused by illegal mining, or galamsey.
Electoral Violence: A Threat to Ghana’s Democracy
In their petition, the Minority described the July 11th Ablekuma North rerun as a “coordinated attack on democracy.” The election, which was meant to restore parliamentary representation, was reportedly marred by acts of violence, voter intimidation, and impersonation of security forces.
“We are witnessing the grave erosion of democratic norms,” the Caucus warned.
“The rerun became a theatre of brutality rather than a celebration of constitutional rights.”
According to their statement, violent incidents were recorded at polling stations such as St. Peter’s Society Methodist Church, Awoshie DVLA, and Asiedu Gyedu Memorial School. The chaos reportedly led to assaults on former ministers Mavis Hawa Koomson and Dakoa Newman, along with parliamentary candidate Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie.
Masked men dressed in brown security-style uniforms allegedly posed as police officers and clashed with members of the Ghana Police Service. The Minority claimed this was a deliberate attempt to destabilize the electoral process.
“This wasn’t just chaos—it was calculated,” said Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh. “There was complicity or, at best, silence from segments of the security services.”
They also accused high-ranking 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.
“Public officials glorifying violence is an insult to our democracy,” the Caucus emphasized. “Dr. Bissiw and Mr. Basintale must be dismissed immediately.”
Calls for Justice and Institutional Reform
The petition outlined specific demands to restore accountability and public trust:
Dismissal of Dr. Bissiw and Mr. Basintale from their respective positions.
Arrest and prosecution of all individuals involved in the by-election violence.
An independent investigation into the conduct of the Ghana Police, with a focus on Chief Superintendent Fredrick Lumor Senanu.
A public apology from the President to all victims.
Formation of a Commission of Inquiry under Article 278 of the Constitution.
The Caucus cautioned that these developments could severely damage Ghana’s global image.
“We are risking diplomatic backlash,” the petition stated, referencing violations of international agreements such as the African Charter on Democracy and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Galamsey Crisis: ‘Our Rivers Are Bleeding’
Turning to environmental concerns, the Minority called the illegal mining crisis “a full-blown ecological and moral catastrophe.” Data from A Rocha Ghana and Global Forest Watch revealed a 17% increase in river turbidity and a 9% loss in forest cover in just six months.
“The Yonkamba stream in Bole Bamboi—right in the President’s hometown—is now flowing with poison rather than promise,” the petition lamented.
They accused District Chief Executives, party operatives, and security forces of enabling illegal miners by providing protection or turning a blind eye. Reports from The Fourth Estate and IMANI Africa were cited as evidence of a deeply embedded criminal network.
“Galamsey is not a rural problem; it is a systemic failure led by political actors,” the Caucus stated.
Environmental Demands: A Roadmap to Recovery
In response to the galamsey emergency, the Minority laid out the following actions:
Declare a national emergency in all illegal mining zones.
Repeal Legislative Instrument 2462, which they claim has fueled galamsey operations.
Prosecute all public officials and party members found complicit.
Establish an Independent Multi-Stakeholder Commission to oversee anti-galamsey efforts.
Strengthen the Forestry and Water Resources Commissions.
Launch a National Environmental Recovery Programme focusing on afforestation, river restoration, and environmental education.
They warned that further inaction could lead to breaches of international treaties like the Paris Agreement and the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.
“Our rivers—Pra, Offin, Ankobra, Birim—are dying. The soul of our nation is drowning with them,” the petition declared.
Final Plea: Restore Ghana’s Moral Compass
In a passionate appeal, the Minority urged President Mahama to act beyond partisan politics.
“The blood of our rivers is the blood of our people. Our forests are falling, our water is poisoned, and our integrity as a nation is on trial. We demand truth, justice, and action.”
They emphasized that failure to resolve these pressing crises could lead to increased violence in future elections, entrench lawlessness, and push Ghana toward ecological collapse.
“Leadership is tested in moments of crisis,” they concluded. “The ball is in your court, Mr. President. Ghana is watching.”