The opposition National Democratic Congress, NDC, has asked the government to compensate victims of the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election violence, within 30 days.
Four years after the election violence, the government is yet to pay compensation to the victims as recommended by the commission set up by the government to look into the incident.
More worrying for the NDC is the fact that the government has failed to work with the recommendations by the Emile Short Commission.
the opposition NDC in a statement to solidarize with the victims, the NDC also blamed the Attorney General for not ensuring that the affected victims are duly compensated.
“The NDC is appalled by the blatant refusal of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government to implement the recommendations of the Emile Short Commission and its own White Paper on this matter. It is shameful, to say the least, that till date, the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government has not deemed it necessary to prosecute the perpetrators of the Ayawaso by-election violence”, it said.
It is thus asking the government to as a matter of urgency to within 30 months “pay fair and adequate compensation to all injured victims”.
The party said it will be will be compelled to take all necessary steps being taken to seek appropriate compensation for the victims.
The Ayawaso West by-election took place on 31 January 2019 after the death of the incumbent MP Emmanuel Kyeremateng Agyarko on 21 November 2018.
Violence erupted in the area of the La-Bawaleshie polling station two hours after the election had started, though there was no death recorded there where casualties.
Memeber of parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Sam George was assaulted and 18 others were wounded by gunshots.
The perpetrators were masked men in Police uniforms using police vehicles and alleged to be National Security Operatives.
By Peter Quao Adattor
Find the full statement below:
NDC SOLIDARIZES WITH VICTIMS OF AYAWASO WEST WUOGON VIOLENCE
Today is exactly four (4) years since state-sponsored bandits clothe in National Security apparels and working under the instructions of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia/NPP government brutalized, shot and maimed innocent citizens during the Ayawaso West Wuogon bye-election.
The leadership and the entire membership of the National Democratic Congress can never forget the shame and disgrace that this dastardly event occasioned our dear country.
On this sad day of memories, we remember all those who were attacked and injured on that fateful day. We particularly solidarize with those who still bear the scars of the attacks they suffered in the hands of those wicked state-sponsored goons.
The NDC is appalled by the blatant refusal of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government to implement the recommendations of the Emile Short Commission and its own white paper on this matter. It is shameful to say the least, that till date, the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government has not deemed it necessary to prosecute the perpetrators of the Ayawaso by-election violence.
Even more bizarre and sad, is the blatant refusal of the Attorney-General, Mr. Godfred Dame to discuss the modalities for the payment of compensation to the victims, as recommended by the Emile Short Commission.
In the circumstances, we are giving the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government a 30-day ultimatum to pay fair and adequate compensation to all injured victims of the Ayawaso West Wuogon violence, failing which, the NDC will collaborate with the affected persons and take all necessary steps to seek appropriate compensation for them.
The NDC stands with all victims of the Ayawaso West Wuogon violence. We wish to assure them of our unflinching commitment to punish the perpetrators and seek true justice for them under the next NDC in the year 2025.
Signed.
Comrade Fifi Fiavi Kwetey
General Secretary
