Lawyer petitions Mahama for Commission of Enquiry into Ablekuma North rerun violence

Lawyer Petitions Mahama for Commission of Enquiry into Ablekuma North Rerun Violence

By Top Knowledge TV | July 15, 2025

A Ghanaian lawyer has formally petitioned former President John Dramani Mahama, calling on him to use his influence and statesmanship to push for the establishment of a Commission of Enquiry into the recent violence that occurred during the Ablekuma North by-election rerun.

The petition, addressed to the Office of the Former President and shared with the media, described the violent incidents as a “shameful scar on Ghana’s democratic image” and urged Mahama to take a proactive stance in demanding accountability, justice, and systemic reform.

Background of the Violence

The Ablekuma North rerun, held earlier this month, was marred by disturbing scenes of violence, intimidation, and clashes between supporters of rival political parties. Several individuals were injured, and reports of property destruction and voter harassment surfaced across multiple polling centers.

Despite increased police presence, eyewitnesses claimed the violence was well-coordinated and involved known political actors. Videos shared online showed chaotic scenes, with some alleging that security officers were either complicit or overwhelmed.

The Petition: A Call for National Reflection

In his petition, the unnamed legal practitioner emphasized the need for a non-partisan, independent commission to investigate the root causes, key perpetrators, and institutional lapses that enabled the violence.

“This is not about partisanship. It is about the soul of our democracy. If we allow such incidents to go unexamined, we are simply endorsing chaos,” the letter read.

The lawyer said Mahama, as a former president, statesman, and current flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), was well-positioned to lead the call for national healing and electoral reform.

“You have a moral duty to stand above politics and demand that such lawlessness is never repeated in our electoral process,” the petition stated.

Why Mahama?

The petitioner noted Mahama’s previous experience in overseeing electoral reforms, including the Justice VCRAC Crabbe Commission, and called on him to use his influence to rally civil society, religious groups, and fellow political leaders around a unified call for justice.

The petition also urged Mahama to publicly advocate for:

• The prosecution of perpetrators identified in preliminary police reports

• Electoral Commission reforms to prevent recurrence

• Training and accountability measures for security personnel at elections

• Legal reforms to enhance protections for voters and polling staff

Reactions and Next Steps

Top Knowledge TV reached out to the Office of the Former President, which confirmed receipt of the petition. A spokesperson stated that Mr. Mahama was reviewing its contents and would issue a formal response “in due course.”

Meanwhile, civil society organizations, including the Coalition for Electoral Justice and the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), have welcomed the petition and echoed calls for a Commission of Enquiry.

Political analysts believe this incident could become a pivotal moment in Ghana’s democratic journey if handled with transparency and urgency.

“Ablekuma North could become a case study in either failure or reform. It depends on what our leaders do next,” said Dr. Maame Efua Ansah, a political science lecturer at the University of Ghana.

Conclusion

The petition to former President Mahama places the spotlight squarely on political leadership and institutional accountability. As tensions continue to simmer post-election, many Ghanaians are hoping this call for an independent probe will be the beginning of real electoral reform — not just another headline.

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