The minority caucus in Ghana’s Parliament has formally petitioned President John Dramani Mahama, calling for urgent executive action over what it describes as “a grave erosion of democratic norms” during the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun and an escalating environmental emergency caused by illegal mining, known locally as galamsey.
In a statement submitted to the presidency and invoking Chapter 6 of the 1992 Constitution, the caucus accused government-affiliated officials and elements of the security services of either complicity or willful neglect in the face of violence that marred the 11th July by-election.
Electoral Violence: A Coordinated Subversion of Democracy
According to the Minority, the Ablekuma North rerun meant to restore parliamentary representation was instead marred by “coordinated violence, impersonation of security forces, and brutal attacks on journalists, electoral officials and opposition figures.”
The petition cites multiple incidents at polling stations including St. Peter’s Society Methodist Church, Awoshie DVLA, and Asiedu Gyedu Memorial School.
Among those reportedly assaulted were former Ministers Mavis Hawa Koomson and Dakoa Newman, as well as parliamentary candidate Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie.
They alleged that masked individuals dressed in brown security-style uniforms impersonated police officers and clashed violently with the Ghana Police Service, raising concerns of a premeditated attempt to undermine the electoral process.
The minority further condemned what it called the “public glorification of violence” by senior government appointees Dr Hanna Bissiw, CEO of the Minerals Development Fund, and Mr Malik Basintale, Acting CEO of the Youth Employment Agency, whose public statements endorsed and even celebrated the violence.
Demands for Accountability and Inquiry
In light of the above, the Minority Caucus has called for:
- The immediate dismissal of Dr Bissiw and Mr Basintale.
- Arrest and prosecution of all individuals involved in the attacks.
- An independent investigation into the Ghana Police Service, specifically implicating Chief Superintendent Fredrick Lumor Senanu.
- A Presidential apology to victims and a strong public condemnation of the violence.
- The establishment of a Commission of Inquiry under Article 278 to probe the incidents and recommend reforms.
The statement warned that Ghana’s international image as a beacon of democratic governance is now under serious threat. It cited breaches of international treaties such as the African Charter on Democracy, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Caucus cautioned that continued impunity could prompt diplomatic repercussions and investor anxiety.
Galamsey: An Ecological and Moral Catastrophe
Turning to environmental issues, the petition described the illegal mining crisis as “a full-blown ecological emergency” that threatens national survival. Citing verified data from A Rocha Ghana and Global Forest Watch, the Minority pointed to a 17% increase in river turbidity and a 9% loss in forest cover in just six months.
The Yonkamba stream in the President’s own hometown of Bole Bamboi was singled out as an example of the devastation, described now as “flowing with poison rather than promise.”
The Minority alleged high-level complicity, accusing District Chief Executives, political operatives, and elements of the security forces of shielding illegal miners. Investigative work by The Fourth Estate and IMANI Ghana was cited as evidence of a deeply entrenched network enabling galamsey.
Environmental Demands
The petition made a series of sweeping demands, including:
- A declaration of a national state of emergency in illegal mining zones.
- The repeal of Legislative Instrument 2462, said to have enabled galamsey operations.
- Prosecution of all government and party officials found complicit.
- Creation of an Independent Multi-Stakeholder Commission to monitor anti-galamsey efforts.
- Strengthening of the Forestry and Water Resources Commissions.
- Launch of a National Environmental Recovery Programme focused on afforestation, river restoration, and civic environmental education.
A Plea for Leadership
In its conclusion, the Minority Caucus called on the President to rise above partisan considerations, act decisively, and “restore faith in Ghana’s democratic and ecological future.”
“The blood of our rivers is the blood of our people,” the petition reads. “Our forests are falling, our water is poisoned, and our integrity as a nation is on trial. We demand truth, justice, and action.”
With a pending by-election on the horizon, the Caucus warned that failure to address these issues would not only risk further violence but also entrench impunity and environmental collapse.
The ball, they assert, is firmly in the President’s court.Basintale.
Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh‑Dompreh expressed alarm that such conduct, including the complicity or silence of security agencies, threatened Ghana’s democratic foundations.
They called for the swift dismissal and prosecution of those involved, including security personnel, and requested the establishment of an impartial Commission of Inquiry under Article 278 of the Constitution.
The petition also raised an environmental emergency, highlighting a dramatic surge in illegal mining since January 2025, with alarming data showing a 17% rise in river turbidity and a 9% loss in forest cover.
The Caucus demanded the President declare a national emergency, repeal Legislative Instrument 2462, and prosecute officials complicit in galamsey activities.
They advocated for a comprehensive National Environmental Recovery Programme, strengthened enforcement by the Forestry and Water Resources Commissions, and the creation of an independent multi‑stakeholder oversight body.
Expressing deep concern over the damage to rivers such as the Pra, Offin, Ankobra, and Birim, they warned that failure to act would undermine Ghana’s international commitments including the Paris Agreement and the UN Convention on Biological Diversity and endanger future elections.
The Minority pleaded for decisive executive action to uphold the rule of law, protect democratic institutions, and restore public faith in governance.
They urged swift measures ahead of upcoming elections and noted that the nation would judge leaders by their willingness to confront these crises.
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