Audio By Carbonatix
Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, Sam George has expressed his frustration over the failure of government to compensate victims of the violence that characterised the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election on January 31, 2019.
Making a statement on the floor of Parliament yesterday, 2 years after the incident, he highlighted the fact that among the victims were breadwinners of their families who continue to suffer the consequences of that day's events.
Sam George revealed that the families of some of the victims who petitioned government for the payment of their compensation are yet to receive any response from government.
"It is heartbreaking Mr Speaker for me to stand in the people's Chamber and recount how none of these individuals who were promised compensation in the government white paper has received any support from the state."
"I am heartbroken as I myself was a victim of the recklessness that characterised the actions of states operatives on the day. I saw firsthand the brutality meted out to some citizens of the Republic."
Sam George stated that although a total of 18 victims filed complaints against the assailants, justice is still yet to be served.
He further added that regardless of a petition he personally wrote to the IGP and the Deputy CID after the assault his attacker is still "walking free".
"It is this inertia in the delivery of justice that leads many to question if truly, justice will be served in this unfortunate matter," he said.
The Ningo Prampram legislator urged the Speaker to use his office to impress upon the Executive to compensate the victims.
But reacting to the statement, Majority Chief Whip Frank Annor Dompreh cited other by-elections including Atiwa, Akwatia and Chereponi stating that those were more violent than that of Ayawaso West.
He said that it was discriminatory for Sam Goerge to limit his statement to one by-election.
"I want to humbly submit that any injustice perpetuated anywhere should be condemned and, hence, as my colleague is calling for a thorough investigation and handing over of deserving compensation, let's also not gloss over the injustice perpetrated at Atiwa by-election. The Akwatia and Chereponi by-election should not be lost on us."
Mr Annor Dompreh, however, stated that government should be commended for setting a commission of enquiry which resulted in the enacting of a law against vigilantism.
"Even as we lament, it is important we recognise the good step that was taken by the government then."
Latest Stories
-
Mahama establishes GH¢1m trust funds for children of helicopter crash victim
6 minutes -
Government accepts abolition of death penalty, proposes life imprisonment for capital offences
16 minutes -
Sedina Tamakloe’s appeal began under my predecessor, I opposed it after review – AG
18 minutes -
Government backs presidential tax on salary and allowances, rejects taxing ex gratia and pension
21 minutes -
Mahama honours families of helicopter crash victims with legacy letters and support package
22 minutes -
Government backs citizen-led constitutional amendments with 10% voter support threshold
24 minutes -
Proposed five-year presidential term will not apply to Mahama – Felix Kwakye Ofosu
26 minutes -
Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu acquittal raises corruption fight concerns – John Darko
26 minutes -
Education is Ghana’s strongest long-term weapon against corruption – Ibn Chambas
28 minutes -
No democracy can flourish where corruption becomes normalised — Ibn Chambas
1 hour -
Nicaraguan leader proposes extending presidential term by another year
1 hour -
Gov’t accepts constitutional amendment for equal voting rights in political party primaries
1 hour -
Dr. Chambas calls for overhaul of Ghana’s education system to safeguard peace
1 hour -
400 police officers deployed to support the enskinment of the Kpampayaa Naa Yakubu in Yendi
1 hour -
Unopened Oforikrom Court facility left vulnerable as cables, generator parts are stolen
1 hour