The Minority Caucus in Parliament has petitioned President John Dramani Mahama, demanding swift action on what it describes as a dangerous escalation of electoral violence and illegal mining under his administration.
The six-page petition, dated July 24 and signed by Deputy Minority Leader Hon. Patricia Appiagyei, warns that recent developments in Ghana’s electoral and environmental landscape risk derailing the country’s democratic progress and endangering future generations.
“Ghana’s democratic progress painfully built over decades through the sacrifices of citizens and leaders alike cannot be undermined by a culture of impunity and orchestrated violence,” the Minority stated.
Among other demands, the group urged the declaration of a State of Emergency in mining zones and prosecution of all officials found complicit.
Find the full statement below:
On behalf of the Minority Caucus in Parliament and in solemn fidelity to our constitution and in pursuit of Chapter 6 of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, I write to submit this petition regarding two pertinent issues being the violence that marred the parliamentary rerun election held on Friday, 11th July, 2025, in the Ablekuma North Constituency and the state of the galamsey menace in Ghana.
We the Minority Caucus are compelled to formally bring these disturbing developments to your attention with a view to enlisting your engagement and moral leadership in protecting the democratic space and adhering to the Presidential Oath as captured in the 2nd Schedule of the 1992 Constitution.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The petition details two (2) key issues of urgent nature and great public concern.
- The Escalation of Electoral Violence and The Erosion of Democratic Norms in Ablekuma North Constituency.
- The State of the Galamsey menace in Ghana and the existential threats to our Environment.
The first issue raises the grave incidents of electoral violence which have regrettably become trend, as seen at the parliamentary rerun election held on Friday, 11th July 2025, in the Ablekuma North Constituency, institutional complicity particularly from our state security agencies, and the overall adverse effect on the growth of our democracy.
What was meant to be a peaceful electoral exercise intended to restore representation for the constituents of Ablekuma North was instead characterized by widespread violence, intimidation, impersonation of security forces, and brutal assaults on journalists, electoral officials, and opposition party members. These coordinated attacks, occurring across multiple polling stations—including St. Peter’s Society Methodist Church, Awoshie DVLA, and Asiedu Gyedu Memorial School—point to a premeditated and organized campaign to subvert the democratic process. The petition highlights key acts of illegality and constitutional breaches, including:
. Assault on key personalities such as Hon. Mavis Hawa Koomson, Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie, and Hon. Dakoa Newman;
. The impersonation of security officers by armed thugs in security-like uniforms;
. Violent confrontations involving the Ghana Police Service;
. Assault on journalists from JoyNews and GHOne TV;
. Public glorification of violence by two senior public officials—Dr. Hanna Bissiw (CEO of the Minerals Development Fund) and Mr. Malik Basintale (Acting CEO of the Youth Employment Agency).
The silence or implicit endorsement of such violence by government-aligned officials and institutions represents a disturbing departure from Ghana’s longstanding democratic norms and violates key provisions of the 1992 Constitution, including Articles 12, 15, 17, 41, 284, and 296. If left unaddressed, these developments threaten to normalize electoral violence, foster a culture of impunity, and erode public trust in democratic governance.
Accordingly, the Minority Caucus makes the following urgent demands:
The immediate dismissal of Dr. Hanna Bissiw and Mr. Malik Basintale for misconduct, the swift arrest and prosecution of all involved in the electoral violence, an independent investigation into the Ghana Police Service with focus on Chief Superintendent Fredrick Lumor Senanu, a public condemnation and apology from the President reaffirming commitment to peace and rule of law, and the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry under Article 278 to uncover causes, actors, and institutional lapses, and to recommend necessary reforms.
The State of the Galamsey menace in Ghana and the existential threats to our Environment.
The second issue is raised to draw urgent national attention to the uncontrolled and devastating surge in illegal mining (galamsey) activities in Ghana, particularly under the watch of your new government. It questions widely proclaimed resolve earlier expressed by your administration to definitively address galamsey, noting the alarming deterioration of our environment.
The Minority Caucus demands:
. A constitutionally mandated declaration of a national emergency on the matter given the facts presented, as have transpired over the last 6 months.
. A condemnation of all forms of illegal mining irrespective of political ties, repeal LI 2462, and ensure swift, impartial prosecution of all complicit officials.
. The Launching of a comprehensive National Environmental Recovery Programme focused on afforestation, river restoration, and civic environmental education.
THE PETITION
PART 1
Electoral violence at Ablekuma North rerun elections: Events that transpired
The rerun election, which was meant to affirm the will of the people and restore parliamentary representation to the good people of Ablekuma North, was gravely undermined by acts of violence, intimidation, impersonation of security forces, and assault on journalists and electoral officials. The coordinated nature and execution of these acts point to a deliberate, premeditated campaign aimed at subverting the electoral process.
Some of the incidents that took place at the polling station were captured and documented in the media and are listed below:
. At St. Peter’s Society Methodist Church Polling Station, NDC thugs attacked participants, injuring several opposition figures. Hon Mavis Hawa Koomson, a former Minister and Member of Parliament, was physically assaulted and demeaned publicly. Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie, the New Patriotic Party’s parliamentary candidate, suffered facial injuries that required medical attention as well as Hon Dakoa Newman former for MP for Okaikwei South.
. Thugs dressed in brown security-like uniforms were found impersonating law enforcement at Awoshie DVLA Polling Station. Their inability to produce ID upon police questioning exposed a dangerous and fraudulent tactic aimed at confusing voters.
. At Asiedu Gyedu Memorial School Polling Station, a violent confrontation erupted between the thugs and police officers.
. Chris Lloyd Nii Kwei Asamoah, Deputy National Organiser of the NPP, was also brutally attacked in what appears to be a systematic effort to target opposition leadership and destabilize the electoral environment.
. Furthermore, journalists were not spared. A reporter from JoyNews and another from GHOne TV were assaulted, with one attacked by a uniformed police officer.
Encouragement Of Violence By State Officials
Equally troubling is the response or calculated silence from top government officials. Two senior members of the current administration, namely; Dr. Hanna Louisa Bissiw, National Women’s Organiser of the NDC and CEO of the Minerals Development Fund, and Mr. Malik Basintale, Deputy National Communications Officer of the NDC and Acting CEO of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), made public statements and social media posts that justify, glorify, and even celebrate the perpetrators of violence. These public endorsements of brutality against political opponents and journalists, fundamentally contradict the values of rule of law and peace that underpin democratic governance.
A Growing Pattern of
Electoral Violence
What occurred in Ablekuma North is not an isolated incident. It follows similar violent episodes that accompanied the 2024 general elections and reflects a disturbing trend of political violence and impunity. The International Community has often praised Ghana for its peaceful transitions and stable democratic record. However, the situation is deteriorating. If not checked now, these acts threaten to normalize political violence, compromise the electoral space, and reverse the democratic gains made since 1992.
This petition draws your attention of your high office to the probable political posture and concerns that may be emerging within the Diplomatic Corps accredited to Ghana, following the recent spate of electoral violence recorded during the 11th July 2025 Parliamentary Rerun Election in Ablekuma North.
International and Diplomatic Repercussions of Recent Electoral
Violence
The acts of violence, impersonation of security forces, physical assaults on opposition leaders and journalists, and the public endorsement of such acts by state-affiliated officials, constitutes a serious deviation from Ghana’s longstanding commitment to democratic governance, civil liberties, and the rule of law.
These developments are likely to raise alarm among members of the international community, who may interpret the situation as a breach of Ghana’s obligations under international law, including: Article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Ghana is a State Party, guaranteeing every citizen the right to participate in public affairs, to vote, and be elected in genuine periodic elections conducted fairly.
The African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG), which Ghana ratified in 2010, obliging member states to ensure free and fair elections and to condemn and reject acts of violence and intimidation during electoral processes.
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 21), affirming the right to take part in government through free and fair elections.
It is imperative to note that this electoral violence is a setback to Ghana’s democratic credentials, potentially straining relations with key partners such as the European Union, the United States, the United Nations, ECOWAS, and the African Union, all of whom have consistently supported electoral reforms, institutional stability, and peacebuilding in Ghana.
Secondly, this electoral violence triggers for the invocation of diplomatic mechanisms, including quiet diplomacy, statements of concern, and potential travel advisories, which may impact investor confidence and Ghana’s international image as a bastion of democratic governance in West Africa.
Again, electoral violence has legal and humanitarian concern, particularly regarding the reported assault on journalists, which contravenes Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and may prompt interventions from global press freedom watchdogs such as the Committee to Protect Journalists and Reporters Without Borders.
Considering the above, and consistent with your constitutional obligation under Article 58 and the Presidential Oath in the 2nd Schedule of the 1992 Constitution, it is imperative to publicly reassure both Ghanaians and the international community of the government’s unwavering commitment to peaceful democratic practice, accountability, and nonviolence.
Swift and transparent action, especially against public officials who glorify electoral violence and those impersonating state security agencies will be critical in preserving diplomatic trust and Ghana’s international standing.
Our Demands to the Executive
In light of the gravity of these developments, the Minority Caucus respectfully makes the following demands:
- In the spirit of constitutional fidelity and national accountability, we respectfully urge Your Excellency to establish a Commission of Inquiry, empowered under Article 278 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, to investigate the coordinated violence, abuse of incumbency, and democratic infractions witnessed during the Ablekuma North rerun election. Such a commission must be independent, impartial, and adequately resourced to unearth the root causes, identify perpetrators, and recommend systemic reforms. Ghana’s democratic progress painfully built over decades through the sacrifices of citizens and leaders alike cannot be undermined by a culture of impunity and orchestrated violence. The conscience of the nation is stirred when state institutions appear complicit or silent in the face of such affronts to justice. By an extension of this an independent body must investigate the Ghana Police Service’s performance, particularly the role of Chief Superintendent Lumor Fredrick Senanu. Officers found complicit should face disciplinary and legal consequences. An inquiry backed by law and led by conscience will not only safeguard the sanctity of future elections but will serve as a moral and institutional reckoning that reaffirms Ghana’s standing as a beacon of democracy in Africa.
- The public utterances and conduct of Dr. Hanna Bissiw and Mr. Malik Basintale—both serving in official capacities—constitute a serious breach of constitutional duty and violate core principles underpinning public service in Ghana. Their open endorsement and glorification of political violence during a constitutionally sanctioned electoral process directly contravene Article 41(a) and (b) of the 1992 Constitution, which obligate every citizen, especially public officials, to uphold and defend the Constitution and promote the rule of law. More gravely, their behaviour undermines Article 284, which prohibits public officers from placing themselves in situations where personal or partisan interests conflict with public duty. As public servants, their comments and actions have endangered public order and eroded trust in democratic governance, thereby violating Article 296, which requires the fair, candid, and impartial exercise of discretionary powers. Furthermore, their conduct offends the Code of Conduct for Public Officers of Ghana, which demands that office holders act with integrity, impartiality, and accountability. It is also contrary to the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29)—specifically, provisions on incitement to violence and conduct conducive to the breach of the peace. In view of these egregious constitutional and statutory violations, their continued stay in public office poses a threat to public safety, state legitimacy, and the moral foundation of public service. We therefore urge Your Excellency to exercise the executive authority vested in you under Article 58(2) to relieve them of their appointments with immediate effect in defence of constitutional order, public trust, and national cohesion.
- Furthermore, Articles 15(1) and 15(2) guarantee the dignity of all persons and prohibit cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, while Article 296 enjoins all holders of discretionary power to exercise it fairly and reasonably. Therefore, we demand that all individuals involved in the acts of brutality and electoral violence be identified, arrested, and prosecuted without fear or favour, as mandated under Articles 17(1) and 17(2) on equality before the law, to avoid reinforcing a culture of impunity.
- Lastly, as Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, your silence or inaction risks being interpreted as tacit endorsement. Under Article 58(2), the executive authority of Ghana is vested in you not only to govern, but to preserve national peace, protect the Constitution, and uphold the rule of law. We therefore respectfully call on you to publicly denounce these acts, issue an unambiguous apology to the victims, and restore national confidence in our democratic institutions and electoral processes.
PART 2
In the same vein, we also petition your high office on the menace of galamsey with a profound sense of duty, sorrow, and urgency. The call is not just for executive action but for national introspection. Galamsey is no longer a socio-economic challenge. It is now a full-blown ecological emergency, a moral crisis, and an indictment on our collective conscience.
Facts of the case
Since January 2025, the destruction wrought by illegal mining has intensified at an alarming rate, including in your own hometown of Bole Bamboi. The Yonkamba stream—a lifeline for your people—now flows with poison rather than promise. Verified environmental data from A Rocha Ghana and Global Forest Watch, point to a 17% increase in river turbidity and a 9% forest cover loss in just six months. This is not a political statistic; it is a national tragedy.
The reality before us is that those entrusted with power have either remained passive or, worse, become complicit. Campaign promises to end galamsey have been betrayed, and the hopes of millions have been crushed under the weight of polluted rivers and dying forests.
The Role of State and Party Actors Hampering the fight against Galamsey
Disturbing reports and credible investigations—including from The Fourth Estate and IMANI Ghana—have exposed a network of collusion involving District Chief Executives, political operatives, and elements of our security forces. Rather than dismantling illegal mining operations, some of these actors have become their shield and enablers.
On May 1, 2025, the Secretary-General of the TUC gave voice to the pain of the Ghanaian worker, condemning government complicity. University lecturers, civil society, and traditional leaders are rising in protest, not for political gain but to protect what remains of our heritage.
The Collapsing Ecosystem: Our Rivers and Forests Under Siege
The Pra, Offin, Ankobra, and Birim rivers which were once sources of life are now dead zones. The Ghana Water Company now spends 27% more per cubic meter in chemical treatment due to contamination. Forest reserves in Wassa Amenfi, Atiwa, and Upper Denkyira are vanishing before our eyes. These are not abstract environmental statistics. We are endangering food security, destroying community livelihoods, and undermining our climate resilience.
A Violation of our International Commitments
Ghana is party to the Paris Agreement, the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Our Constitution, under Article 41(k), demands that every citizen protect and safeguard the environment. Yet today, our silence and state inaction constitute a betrayal of those commitments. We are not only violating international treaties—we are undermining our global reputation.
In light of the constitutional, moral, and environmental catastrophe before us, we respectfully urge Your Excellency to:
- Declare a National State of Emergency in all illegal mining zones as per Article 31 of the Constitution.
- Publicly and unequivocally condemn all forms of illegal mining, regardless of the political affiliations of perpetrators.
- Repeal Legislative Instrument 2462, which has inadvertently enabled illegal operations.
- Initiate swift and impartial prosecution of all government and party officials found complicit.
- Establish an Independent Multi-Stakeholder Commission made up of civil society, traditional leaders, academia, and religious institutions to oversee the anti-galamsey efforts.
- Strengthen and empower the Forestry Commission and Water Resources Commission with legal autonomy and operational resources.
- Launch a bold National Environmental Recovery Programme, with special focus on afforestation, river restoration, and civic education on environmental stewardship.
CONCLUSION
We believe that as President of the Republic of Ghana, your swift action to address these major issues which undermine the security of the State, as well as its institutions which support our democracy and the rule of law, is critical in salvaging the situation which has become a trend of electoral violence. With an impending by-election on the horizon, the Minority Caucus urges Your Excellency to act swiftly and decisively to give justice to victims of violence, save Ghana’s democratic reputation, protect the constitutional order, and reassure the citizenry of the state’s commitment to peace and accountability.
Similarly, the issue of the galamsey menace is not just another policy failure but appears to be a national betrayal. 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. May history remember this moment, not for your silence, but for your courage to act.
We take this opportunity to extend to Your Excellency, the assurances of our highest consideration.
Yours faithfully,
HON. PATRICIA APPIAGYEI DEPUTY MINORITY LEADER
Cc: The Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Ghana.
The Centre for Democratic Development Ghana (CDD).
Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO).
The Country Director, World Bank Ghana
The Head of EU Delegation
The High Commissioner, United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human
Rights (OHCHR).
The Resident Representative, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The Chairman, Christian Council of Ghana.
The Chief Imam.
The President, Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference.
