Bawku Central MP, Mahama Ayariga has formally approached the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) seeking an update on its investigations into the reported killing of 10 individuals by the military.
In a letter sent to CHRAJ on Monday, November 6, Ayariga urged the Commission to prompt the military to respond to its enquiries.
He emphasised that any delays in the process would not be acceptable, especially considering that the affected families have yet to receive compensation.
Mr Ayariga further criticised CHRAJ for not conducting an on-site investigation in the community to gather evidence regarding the reported killings, which would have been invaluable in informing its decisions.
“I have seen copies of letters your office wrote to the Ghana Armed Forces to respond to my complaints. Since then, I have not heard anything concerning the matter. I will not accept any attempts by the military to avoid accountability for the killing of the innocent people in Bawku.”
“I therefore demand that you give the military a deadline to respond to your enquiries. I also expected that CHRAJ would have visited the community to speak to victims to gather evidence beyond whatever the Ghana Armed Forces would say in their response but this has not happened,’ Mr Ayariga said in the letter.
Meanwhile, the MP is calling for a thorough investigation into the incident and is requesting GH¢500,000 in compensation for each individual purportedly killed by the military.
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has refuted claims of causing harm to seven individuals seeking shelter in Bawku during recent unrest.
In a statement released on Thursday, February 2, the military clarified that they confronted an armed group, resulting in the neutralization of six of its members.
Read Mahama Ayariga’s follow-up letter below:
6th November 2023
The Commissioner
Commission on Human Rights &
Administrative Justice (CHRAJ)
Accra – Ghana
Dear Commissioner,
FOLLOW UP ON COMPLAINT OF MAHAMA AYARIGA AGAINST GHANA ARMED FORCES ON THE MATTER OF KILLINGS IN BAWKU
I write to follow up on the complaint I made to your office demanding in investigation of killings and human rights violations by members of the Ghana Armed forces in the community of Zoogin in Bawku Municipality.
I have seen copies of letters your wrote to the military to respond to my complaints. Since then I have not heard anything in relation to the matter. I will not accept any attempt my the military to avoid accountability for the killings of innocent people in Bawku.
I therefore demand that you give the military a deadline to respond to your inquiries. I also expect that CHRAJ would have visited the community to speak to victims to gather evidence beyond whatever the Ghana Armed Forces will say in their response but this has not happened.
Please rest assured that the people of the Zoogin community will continue to demand justice for those who were unjustly killed by members of the Ghana Armed Forces in their community.
Thank you.
Mahama Ayariga MP
Bawku Central