Act on Ablekuma North violence, galamsey now – Minority petitions Mahama
The Minority in Parliament has formally petitioned President John Dramani Mahama, raising serious concerns about rising electoral violence and the worsening illegal mining crisis in Ghana.
In a petition presented to the Presidency on Thursday, signed by Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei, the NPP MPs accused state security institutions of complicity and called for the urgent dismissal of key public officials who allegedly endorsed or encouraged the violence.
They warned that these issues are threatening the country’s democracy, environment, and the welfare of its citizens.
The petition focuses first on the violent incidents that overshadowed the July 11, 2025, parliamentary rerun election in Ablekuma North Constituency.
“What should have been a peaceful process turned into a scene of chaos, with reports of intimidation, impersonation of security forces, and attacks on opposition members, journalists, and election officials,” portions of the petition stated.
The Minority highlighted that these acts were not isolated but part of a deliberate and coordinated effort to undermine the democratic process.
They also condemned the involvement of two senior government officials who publicly justified and celebrated the violence, saying their behaviour violates constitutional principles and undermines public trust.
The Minority demanded the immediate removal of these officials and called for the arrest and prosecution of everyone involved in the violence.
They further urged the establishment of an independent commission to investigate the conduct of the Ghana Police Service during the election, especially the role of Chief Superintendent Lumor Fredrick Senanu.
They continued to warn that without swift action, Ghana risks normalising electoral violence, damaging its democratic reputation, and losing trust from international partners.
Beyond electoral violence, the Minority drew urgent attention to the unchecked illegal mining, or galamsey, crisis, describing it as an environmental emergency.
They accused some government and political actors of complicity in illegal mining, which is causing massive damage to rivers, forests, and farmlands.
The petition cited rising pollution, loss of forest cover, and increased water treatment costs as clear signs of a deteriorating ecosystem that threatens the health and livelihoods of millions.
The Minority, therefore, called for a national state of emergency on illegal mining, the repeal of laws that enable galamsey, the prosecution of complicit officials, and the launch of a comprehensive environmental recovery program.
Click on the link below to read the full statement:
PETITION TO H.E. 24TH JULY 2025