The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has revisited the infamous Ayawaso West Wuogon bye-election violence, spotlighting Brigadier-General Michael Opoku’s role as a key figure in the events that marred the election. During a press briefing, the NDC asserted that Brigadier-General Opoku orchestrated the deployment of masked operatives who brutalized civilians and disrupted the electoral process, questioning his fitness to oversee the upcoming December 7 elections in his current role as General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Central Command.
The Ayawaso West Wuogon bye-election, held on January 31, 2019, was to fill the parliamentary seat left vacant by the death of the incumbent Member of Parliament, Emmanuel Kyeremateng Agyarko. The election, however, became synonymous with violence and electoral malpractice, drawing widespread condemnation.
What Happened During the Ayawaso West Wuogon Bye-Election?
On election day, violence erupted at the La Bawaleshie Presbyterian School polling station, where masked men dressed in black and wielding weapons stormed the area. These operatives, later identified as members of the National Security Council’s SWAT unit, physically assaulted civilians and fired gunshots, causing chaos and panic. At least six people sustained gunshot wounds, with several others severely beaten, including Hon. Samuel Nartey George, the sitting MP for Ningo-Prampram, who was publicly slapped by one of the operatives.
The incident sparked outrage across the country, with calls from civil society organizations, opposition parties, and international observers for a thorough investigation into the violence. The election, despite the violence, proceeded, and Lydia Alhassan of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) was declared the winner. However, the legitimacy of the process was heavily questioned, and many Ghanaians labeled the events as a blatant abuse of state power.
The Emile Short Commission of Inquiry
In the wake of the violence, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo established the Emile Short Commission of Inquiry to investigate the incident. The commission, chaired by Justice Emile Short, comprised notable figures, including Prof. Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu and Mr. Patrick K. Acheampong, a former Inspector General of Police.
The commission conducted public hearings that revealed shocking testimonies. Witnesses, including victims, journalists, and officials, described scenes of brutality and intimidation. Key security operatives, including the then Director of Operations at the National Security Secretariat, Colonel Michael Opoku (now Brigadier-General Opoku), admitted during the hearings to authorizing the deployment of the masked men.
Findings and Recommendations of the Commission
The Emile Short Commission’s report placed ultimate responsibility for the violence on Colonel Opoku, who was criticized for poor judgment and failure to ensure a peaceful electoral process. The report recommended that:
- Colonel Michael Opoku be reprimanded for his role in the incident.
- The SWAT team be disbanded, and reforms be instituted within the National Security Council.
- Victims of the violence receive adequate compensation.
- Perpetrators of the violence be prosecuted to serve as a deterrent.
Government’s Response and Lack of Accountability
Despite these recommendations, the government’s White Paper on the commission’s findings rejected several key suggestions, including the call to reprimand Colonel Opoku and disband the SWAT team. To date, no individuals have been prosecuted or held accountable for the violence. This lack of justice remains a sore point for victims and critics, who argue that the state has shielded those responsible, eroding trust in the rule of law.
The NDC, at their press conference, emphasized this glaring gap in justice, pointing out that instead of facing consequences for his actions, Brigadier-General Opoku was promoted to his current position. “The very person implicated in brutalities has now been tasked with overseeing elections in the Central Command. This is a dangerous precedent,” the NDC stated, warning that his continued presence could lead to a repeat of the 2019 violence.
NDC’s Demands and Call for Justice
The party has demanded Brigadier-General Opoku’s immediate removal, calling on the Chief of Defence Staff and the Inspector-General of Police to investigate his activities thoroughly. “Elections must be a peaceful exercise of choice, not a theater of violence. The continued shielding of individuals implicated in electoral violence signals a dangerous disregard for justice and democracy,” the NDC stated.
As Ghana approaches another election, the shadow of Ayawaso West Wuogon looms large. The NDC has vowed to remain vigilant and ensure that the upcoming polls are free, fair, and devoid of violence, urging all stakeholders to prioritize peace and accountability.
About The Author
