President John Dramani Mahama has made an impassioned call for justice for the victims of the 2005 massacre in The Gambia.

Known as ‘The Gambia Massacre,’ this grim chapter in history saw approximately 56 West African migrants, predominantly Ghanaians, brutally killed by Gambian security forces under the regime of former President Yahya Jammeh.

On his first official visit to The Gambia over the weekend, President Mahama urged the global community to support efforts aimed at compensating the victims' families and holding the perpetrators accountable.

He stressed that justice was critical to healing the deep wounds caused by the atrocities.

Addressing the issue, President Mahama acknowledged the strides made through The Gambia’s Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC). He emphasised the significance of such processes in confronting the nation's past and promoting democratic progress.

“The truth and reconciliation process is vital in exorcising the pain endured during the less democratic periods of the country’s history,” he noted.

President Mahama further highlighted the specific impact on Ghana, referencing the deaths of several Ghanaian nationals in the massacre.

He reiterated the need for those responsible to face justice, describing this as an essential step towards closure for the affected families and nations.

While commending ongoing democratic reforms in The Gambia, President Mahama called for a collective international effort to ensure accountability and reparations.