Private legal practitioner, Lawrence Kwesi Botchway Jnr, has petitioned President John Dramani Mahama to establish an independent Commission of Enquiry into the violent incidents that marred the parliamentary rerun in the Ablekuma North Constituency on Friday, July 11, 2025.

In an eight-page petition dated Tuesday, July 15, and copied to the Council of State and the Speaker of Parliament, Mr Botchway cited Article 278(1)(a) of the 1992 Constitution, which empowers the President to set up a commission to investigate matters of public interest. “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,” the petition noted.

Mr Botchway argued that the rerun, ordered after unresolved results from the 2024 general elections, was characterised by what he described as “a coordinated campaign of violence” involving intimidation, physical assaults, and serious breaches of human rights.

Graphic scenes of violence

The petition recounts several alleged incidents backed by video evidence. Among them was the brutal assault of former Member of Parliament and Minister of State, Hon. Mavis Hawa Koomson, who was allegedly attacked by over 20 unidentified men at the St. Peter’s Society Methodist Church Polling Station.

“Despite having accreditation to monitor the elections on behalf of the NPP candidate, Madam Hawa Koomson was attacked and stomped by unidentified macho men,” the petition stated.

Journalists were not spared either. Joy News reporter Sally Martey was reportedly slapped and shoved on live television by a masked individual, while Amansan TV’s Vida Wiafe was pepper-sprayed by security officers, causing her to collapse. Other victims included GHOne’s Kwabena Agyekum Banahene and NPP Deputy National Organiser Chris Lloyd Nii Kwei Asamoah, both of whom were physically assaulted.

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

Drawing from precedent

The petition also referenced the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election in 2019, which led to the formation of a Commission of Enquiry. Mr Botchway believes the Ablekuma North incident warrants similar treatment.

“It is unfortunate that, over three decades of practicing 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,” the petition stated.

Demands and concerns

The legal practitioner called for a probe into human rights violations, particularly against journalists and election observers. He accused elements within the Ghana Police Service of overreach and brutality, citing the alleged assaults on media professionals as examples of unprofessional conduct.

He further questioned the National Election Security Taskforce’s failure to deploy adequately on the day of the rerun, stating that their absence contributed to the chaos. Mr Botchway also called for scrutiny of the Interior Minister’s role, suggesting a possible lack of oversight or dereliction of duty in addressing security lapses during the election.

Among the key reliefs sought, Mr Botchway demanded compensation for victims and an independent inquiry to determine accountability. He stressed that the issue transcends individual grievances and affects the broader principles of justice, democracy, and rule of law.

“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,” he concluded.

The petition is expected to generate public interest amid growing calls for electoral reforms and accountability in Ghana’s democratic process.