The Minority Caucus in Parliament has officially petitioned President John Dramani Mahama, raising alarm over what it describes as worsening electoral violence and the unchecked spread of illegal mining, or galamsey, under his administration.
The petition, submitted Thursday July 24, calls for urgent executive action to safeguard Ghana’s democracy, environment, and institutional integrity.
The document outlines two major concerns:
1. Electoral Violence During the Ablekuma North Rerun Election
2. The Surge in Galamsey Activities and Its Environmental Impact
1. Electoral Violence in Ablekuma North
The Minority detailed what it described as premeditated and coordinated violence during the parliamentary rerun in Ablekuma North on July 11, 2025. It cited attacks on political opponents, impersonation of security personnel, and assault on journalists and electoral officials.
Key incidents included:
The assault of NPP figures such as Mavis Hawa Koomson, Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie, and Dakoa Newman
Armed men in fake security uniforms operating at polling stations such as St. Peter’s Society Methodist Church, Awoshie DVLA, and Asiedu Gyedu Memorial School
Journalists from JoyNews and GHOne TV being physically attacked—one reportedly by a police officer
Violence involving the Ghana Police Service, particularly at Awoshie DVLA
The Minority also 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 or glorifying the violence on social media and in public commentary.
They have demanded:
The immediate dismissal of both officials
An independent investigation into the Ghana Police Service, especially the role of Chief Superintendent Fredrick Lumor Senanu
The arrest and prosecution of all perpetrators
A Commission of Inquiry under Article 278 to probe the violence and recommend reforms
The Minority warned that the President’s silence risks being interpreted as **tacit approval**, urging him to condemn the violence publicly and apologize to victims.
2. Galamsey and Environmental Crisis
The petition’s second focus is the escalating galamsey crisis, which the Minority describes as an “ecological emergency” and “a national betrayal.” The Caucus cited data from A Rocha Ghana and Global Forest Watch showing:
A 17% increase in river turbidity
A 9% loss in forest cover in just six months
It named key rivers such as the Pra, Offin, Ankobra, and Birim as being under serious threat. In particular, it referenced contamination of the **Yonkamba stream** in Bole Bamboi—President Mahama’s hometown—as symbolic of the crisis.
The Minority accused government and party officials of complicity, alleging collusion between **District Chief Executives**, **security officers**, and **illegal miners**.
They are demanding:
A State of Emergency in all illegal mining zones
A repeal of Legislative Instrument 2462, which they say enables illegal mining
Swift prosecution of all public officials found complicit
The formation of an independent national oversight body involving civil society, traditional leaders, and religious groups
The launch of a National Environmental Recovery Programme, focused on afforestation and river restoration
A Call to Action
The petition concludes with an appeal to President Mahama’s constitutional duty, urging him to act decisively to preserve peace, uphold the rule of law, and restore faith in Ghana’s democratic institutions.
“May history remember this moment not for your silence, but for your courage to act,” the petition, signed by Deputy Minority Leader Hon. Patricia Appiagyei, stated.
The petition has been copied to the Diplomatic Corps, civil society organisations, and major international bodies including the UNDP and European Union.
