Families of 44 Ghanaians brutally murdered in The Gambia twenty years ago and the lonely survivor of the brutish crime have renewed their calls for justice, accountability and compensation.
The victims, along with several other West African migrants, were allegedly executed in July 2005 under the regime of the former President of The Gambia, Yahya Jammeh, after being mistaken for mercenaries.
At a solemn press conference, attended by relatives of the deceased from the Asante, Bono, Ahafo and Western Regions, family members shed tears while recounting the pain and hardship the killings have brought upon them.
Speaking on behalf of the families, Mr.Oduro-Mensah Emmanuel Gershon delivered a moving address, emphasising the long-standing silence and inaction that has followed the tragedy.
“Twenty years later, we come together to honour the memories of the victims, recognise the suffering of their families and demand justice and reparations for the harm caused,” Mr.Gershon said.
“It is unacceptable that after two decades, the families of the victims have not received the justice and compensation they rightfully deserve,” he added.
He expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for his efforts during his first official visit to The Gambia, where he pledged Ghana’s support for justice and hinted at the need for a compensation mechanism for victims.
However, the families say words are no longer enough. They are now urging President Mahama’s administration to take concrete actions to initiate a comprehensive and impartial investigation into the events of July 2005.
They are also looking for the prosecution of those responsible, particularly former President Yahya Jammeh.
Additionally, they are fighting to secure sufficient compensation as well as put in place measures to prevent such human rights violations in the future.
The families also appealed to the international community to treat the massacre as a crime against humanity and support calls for a transparent legal process and international accountability.
“The savage murder of defenseless migrants, who were only seeking better lives, shocked the conscience of the world. This was a crime not only against Ghanaians, but against all of humanity,” Mr.Gershon stated.
The 2005 massacre, which occurred under Jammeh’s authoritarian regime, led to international outcry but little tangible justice for the victims.
Reports later confirmed that the migrants, including the 44 Ghanaians, were mistakenly identified as coup plotters and were summarily executed. Families say the lack of justice has compounded their suffering.
Many of them continue to live in poverty, unable to find closure or support after the loss of their loved ones.
“We have travelled far from Ashanti, Brong, Ahafo and Western Regions to be here today. Our tears are not just for our lost relatives, but for the many years of injustice and neglect,” said one bereaved mother, fighting back tears.
