The Minority Caucus in Parliament has formally petitioned President John Dramani Mahama, raising deep concerns about what they describe as the twin crises of escalating electoral violence and the unchecked spread of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, under his administration. In the strongly worded document submitted on Thursday, July 24, the group called on the President to rise to the occasion and take bold executive action to preserve Ghana’s democracy, protect the environment, and uphold the integrity of national institutions.
Central to the petition is the Minority’s condemnation of violent incidents that marred the recent parliamentary rerun in Ablekuma North, held on July 11, 2025. According to the Caucus, the violence was not random but “premeditated and coordinated,” with attacks reportedly targeting political opponents, journalists, and even electoral officers. Among the victims named were NPP stalwarts Mavis Hawa Koomson, Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie, and Dakoa Newman, who were allegedly assaulted at polling stations where armed men, disguised in fake security uniforms, operated with impunity.
Some of the locations identified include the St. Peter’s Society Methodist Church, Awoshie DVLA, and the Asiedu Gyedu Memorial School, all of which witnessed scenes of intimidation and chaos. Disturbingly, journalists covering the election, including staff from JoyNews and GHOne TV, were reportedly attacked by a police officer, raising further questions about the role of state security agencies in the ordeal. The Minority is demanding an independent probe into the conduct of the Ghana Police Service, particularly the actions of Chief Superintendent Fredrick Lumor Senanu. They also want a full Commission of Inquiry constituted under Article 278 of the Constitution to investigate the violence and propose institutional reforms.
The petition takes particular aim at two senior government officials, Dr. Hanna Bissiw, CEO of the Minerals Development Fund, and Mr. Malik Basintale, Acting CEO of the Youth Employment Agency, whom the Minority accuses of glorifying the violence both in public statements and on social media. The Caucus insists both officials should be dismissed immediately and face accountability.
But the petition goes beyond the events of July 11. The Minority paints a dire picture of Ghana’s environmental health, calling the galamsey crisis an “ecological emergency” and a “national betrayal.” Citing alarming statistics from A Rocha Ghana and Global Forest Watch, the petition reports a 17% spike in river turbidity and a 9% reduction in forest cover in just six months. It specifically mentions major water bodies like the Pra, Offin, Ankobra, and Birim rivers as being in critical danger. The contamination of the Yonkamba stream in Bole Bamboi, ironically, President Mahama’s hometown, is highlighted as a poignant symbol of the national crisis.
According to the Caucus, the situation is being worsened by a network of collusion involving District Chief Executives, security officials, and illegal mining operators. They argue that a legislative instrument, LI 2462, has effectively emboldened illegal mining activities and must be repealed as a matter of urgency.
The Minority is calling for the declaration of a State of Emergency in all galamsey-affected zones, the immediate prosecution of any public official found complicit, and the establishment of a national independent oversight body that includes civil society groups, traditional leaders, and religious institutions. They also propose the creation of a National Environmental Recovery Programme, with a mandate to lead afforestation campaigns and river restoration efforts across the country.
In their concluding remarks, the petitioners urged President Mahama to live up to his constitutional oath and take swift, resolute action in response to the crises. “May history remember this moment not for your silence, but for your courage to act,” wrote Deputy Minority Leader Hon. Patricia Appiagyei, who signed the petition on behalf of the Caucus.
Copies of the petition have been distributed to the Diplomatic Corps, civil society organisations, and key international stakeholders, including the United Nations Development Programme and the European Union.
