#2020electionkilling: where are the voices of conscious – Afriyie Ankrah seeks justice for 8 lost souls 3yr on

The former Elections Director for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Mr Elvis Afriyie Ankrah has renewed the call for justice for the eight lost souls in the 2020 General Elections.

Mr Ankrah made this important call in a press statement to mark the three years of that fatal incident that marred the credence of the gains Ghana has had in its 4th democratic dispensation.

In the press statement, Mr Ankrah urged voices of conscious to demand for justice for these 8 lost souls to safeguard Ghana’s nascent democracy, ensuring that those responsible for such reprehensible acts never come close to power again.

”I implore all individuals who value justice and democracy to rise above partisan considerations and speak out against this injustice” he stated.

Kindly read the full statement below;

A CALL FOR JUSTICE AND PROTECTION OF DEMOCRACY

It is exactly three years ago to the day, on the 8th of December 2020, that we lost eight (8) of our compatriots during the elections. As we commemorate the precious lives lost in that sad period, we find ourselves grappling with an unforgivable blot in the history of our democratic dispensation.

The incident overseen by the current President, Nana Akufo-Addo, remains a painful reminder of the price paid by innocent Ghanaians who aspired to exercise their democratic right.

The names of the eight people murdered in cold blood in 2020 are:

1. Zakaria Samira – 12
2. Musah Feseini – 14
3. Rita Otoo – 15
4. Botwe Tackier – 16
5. Abdallah Ayerek – 18
6. Abass Ibrahim – 30
7. Donpreh Emmanuel – 36
8. Tajudeen Mohammed – 41

Regrettably, the President has not addressed the nation on this grievous incident, nor has he offered condolences to the families of the victims. Even more disheartening is the shameful statement from the First Deputy Speaker and Member of Parliament for Bekwai, Joseph OseiOwusu, who, instead of expressing empathy, likened the victims to criminals or armed robbers.

Three years have passed since this dastardly act occurred, and it seems justice remains elusive.

The NDC’s previous appeal to the Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, for a thorough investigation has yielded no concrete results. As we approach the fourth year since this tragedy, it is disconcerting that the State and its leader had not exhibited any concern or sense of urgency to address the matter, especially with another crucial election looming in 2024.

Equally troubling is the apparent silence from Civil Society Organizations and the Media. It raises the question of whether we are inadvertently normalizing criminal behavior during elections. This apathy poses a severe danger and threat to our Democracy.

In 2020, we witnessed the loss of eight innocent lives. As we approach 2024, we must confront the unsettling question of how many more lives we are willing to sacrifice before taking decisive action. The lack of accountability and justice sets a dangerous precedent, leaving our democracy vulnerable to manipulation and abuse.

In addition to those who tragically lost their lives, fifteen individuals sustained gunshot wounds. It is crucial to emphasize that these lives were not taken by a singular, isolated individual with an itchy trigger finger in uniform. The unsettling reality that these killings transpired at various locations, spanning Tamale, Techiman, Odorkor, Ablekuma, and Savelugu, strongly suggests a coordinated operation. The intention behind such a harrowing series of events appears to be a calculated effort to instill fear among Ghanaians, raising concerns about the hidden motives driving this clandestine operation.

The leadership of the NDC has been actively engaged in the pursuit of justice. I recall that soon after the elections, on November 6, 2021, an official letter signed by the then General Secretary, detailing the unfortunate events was dispatched to the IGP, seeking updates on investigations into all acts of violence and offenses related to the 2020 elections. While the majority of questions surrounding these incidents have originated from the NDC, it is essential to note that there is no conclusive evidence that all the victims were card-bearing members of the NDC.

The urgency and responsibility for addressing this issue should not be confined to a single political party. Where are the voices of conscience that transcend party lines? Why has this been framed solely as an NDC affair? I implore all individuals who value justice and democracy to rise above partisan considerations and speak out against this injustice.

Let us unite to safeguard our nascent democracy, ensuring that those responsible for such reprehensible acts never come close to power again.

The blood of the innocent calls out for justice, and it is our collective responsibility to answer
that call.
In solidarity,
#BringTheKillersOfTheEight(8)ToBook

Hon. Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah
(Fmr. Director of Elections, NDC) (Martin R. Delany Fellow (MDDF) CENTRE FOR GLOBAL AFRICA (CGA)