Private legal practitioner Lawrence Kwesi Botchway Jnr has petitioned President John Mahama to establish an independent Commission of Enquiry to investigate violent incidents during the Ablekuma North parliamentary election rerun held on July 11.

In an eight-page petition dated Tuesday, July 15, and addressed to the Presidency, with copies to the Council of State and the Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Botchway invoked Article 278(1)(a) of the 1992 Constitution, which empowers the President to initiate an enquiry into matters of public interest.

The petition argues that the legal request is grounded in constitutional provisions and past precedent.

“Article 278(1) of the 1992 Constitution provides that the constitutional mandate of the President… can be invoked at the pleasure of the President or upon the advice of the Council of State or at the request of Parliament to investigate certain matters of public interest,” it states.

Mr. Botchway contends that the rerun, ordered after months of legal disputes following the 2024 general elections, was marred by violence, intimidation, and human rights abuses requiring immediate and impartial investigation.

The petition includes video evidence of what Mr. Botchway describes as “a coordinated campaign of violence” targeting party officials, journalists, and observers.

One of the most alarming incidents cited was the assault on former MP and Minister of State, Mavis Hawa Koomson, who was reportedly attacked by over 20 unidentified men at the St. Peter’s Society Methodist Church Polling Station, despite having accreditation to monitor the polls on behalf of the NPP.

Other victims mentioned include JoyNews journalist Sally Martey, who was slapped and shoved by a masked man during a live report; Amansan TV reporter Vida Wiafe, who was pepper-sprayed and collapsed on site; GHOne’s Kwabena Agyekum Banahene; and NPP Deputy National Organiser Chris Lloyd Nii Kwei Asamoah, who were also assaulted.

“This petition borders on the fundamental human rights of citizens, injustice, abuse of power, and unfair treatment… These matters are of considerable significance and weight to satisfy the pleasure of the President,” Mr. Botchway stated.

He warned that electoral violence continues to threaten Ghana’s democratic gains, citing the precedent of the 2019 Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election, which led to the setting up of a similar commission.

“It is unfortunate that, over three decades of practising democracy, Ghana cannot hold violence-free elections… The petitioner deems it necessary to bring to the notice of the President activities of violence which… warrant the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry,” he added.

The petition calls for investigations into alleged violations of rights and freedoms, especially those of journalists and party officials.

Mr. Botchway also highlights alleged misconduct by police officers, including brutality against media personnel covering the elections.

He raises concerns over the failure of the National Election Security Taskforce (NESTF), established in 2024, to deploy adequately on election day.

He argues that the rerun fell under the 2024 election framework and deserved full security coverage.

Additionally, the petition demands an investigation into the role of the Interior Minister, particularly any orders or omissions that contributed to the violence.

Mr. Botchway asserts that the minister either failed to act or lacked the leadership to prevent the chaos.

He is also seeking compensation for victims, to be determined by the President or the Commission of Enquiry based on the findings.

“The petitioner herein brings this matter before the President for his consideration, based on the President’s legal mandate to establish a commission of inquiry to enquire into the matters espoused,” the petition concludes.

Mr. Botchway insists the issues raised transcend individual grievances, touching on the pillars of justice, accountability, and the rule of law, thus requiring presidential intervention in the national interest.