John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has expressed his dissatisfaction with the compensation awarded to the victims of the Techiman South shooting incident, stating that he wished the amount had been higher.
Speaking at a mini rally in Twimia Nkwanta in the Bono East Region, Mahama addressed the crowd, expressing his concerns about the GH¢270,000 compensation ordered by the High Court in Wenchi for the six individuals injured during the shooting at the Techiman South collation center during the 2020 elections.
Mahama condemned the violent incident, which occurred during the collation of votes in the Techiman South constituency, and criticized the state’s response to the victims. “The compensation given to the victims, I was thinking it would be more than the 275,000 cedis, but I acknowledge the court’s decision,” he stated. Mahama went on to pledge additional support for the victims if elected, promising that an NDC government would provide further compensation and support to those affected by the incident.
He also reiterated his commitment to investigating the incident thoroughly and ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice. “When the NDC comes to power, we’ll ensure to provide necessary assistance to the victims. Also, we would investigate the matter and ensure the perpetrators are brought to book and face the law,” Mahama said. He further emphasized that the families of those who lost their lives during the shooting would also receive compensation from his administration.
The Techiman South shooting incident remains a contentious issue, with the NDC and various civil society organizations calling for accountability and justice for the victims. The incident occurred on December 8, 2020, when police opened fire at the collation center, resulting in the death of two people and injuries to several others. The shootings sparked outrage across the country, with many calling for a thorough investigation into the events that led to the violence.
Mahama, in his address, highlighted the need for accountability and transparency in handling cases of electoral violence. He assured the audience that the NDC is committed to justice and will work to ensure that such incidents do not happen in the future. “This unfortunate incident should not have happened. It is the responsibility of every government to protect its citizens, especially during elections, which are meant to express the will of the people peacefully,” he stressed.
Mahama’s comments come at a time when the issue of electoral violence is a significant concern in Ghana’s political landscape. The former president has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with how the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) government handled the aftermath of the 2020 elections, particularly incidents involving the use of excessive force by security personnel.
During his speech, he also called on Ghanaians to remain vigilant and to demand fairness and transparency in future elections. He urged the people to support the NDC in its quest to promote justice and peace in the country, stating, “We cannot allow such violence to be normalized. We must demand accountability and ensure that our democracy is protected from such acts of aggression.”
Mahama assured the people that an NDC-led government would prioritize the safety and security of all citizens, particularly during elections, and would implement measures to prevent any recurrence of such incidents. He added that his administration would provide adequate training to security personnel on the proper handling of electoral processes to avoid the use of excessive force.
In addition to his promise of compensation, Mahama outlined the NDC’s broader plan for peace and security, including a commitment to reform the security sector and enhance the capabilities of the Electoral Commission to conduct fair and transparent elections. He emphasized that these measures would help restore public confidence in the electoral process and ensure that the rights of all Ghanaians are protected.
Mahama concluded his address by reiterating his commitment to justice for the victims of the Techiman South incident and calling for unity and support from Ghanaians to ensure a peaceful and just society. “We owe it to ourselves, our children, and the generations to come to build a Ghana that is fair, just, and where every citizen feels safe and protected,” he said.
As the 2024 elections draw closer, Mahama’s remarks highlight the NDC’s focus on justice and accountability, and the party’s commitment to addressing the concerns of Ghanaians regarding electoral violence and governance.
