Ayawaso violence: We will sue for injured persons – Mahama

Former President John Mahama has hit out at the security apparatus and government as a whole for the downward turn of events during the just ended Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency by-election in which widow of Emmanuel Kyerematen Agyarko won by a 68 percent margin.

Mr. Mahama charged the President to call his appointees to order cautioning the latter that the opposition National Democratic Congress will be forced to ‘defend’ themselves if the situation is repeated.

Speaking at the North Tongu constituency during his regional tour, the NDC Presidential aspirant revealed that the party will seek redress for the individuals who were injured during the shooting at the Balaweshie Presbyterian Basic School in Accra.

He noted that lawyers will obtained for the victims and they will be headed to court for compensation.

“The ball is in the court of government. And we’re waiting to see what investigation will take place. But we’re not going to sit down; all those who were injured by the gunshots, we’re going to get them lawyers and they’re going to sue whoever did this. We will take them to court and sue them for adequate compensation for everyone who was injured.

Following the mishap which occurred during the electoral process, several opinion leaders, CSOs and bodies condemned the event while calling for the heads of the masked attackers. But responding to criticisms after the shooting near the Balaweshie, Minister of State in charge of National Security, Mr Bryan Acheampong defended the personnel insisting that they are national security operatives.

According to him, the officers are well-trained and if any of them misconducted themselves during the melee, a probe into the matter will fish them out.

Mr Acheampong explained that the masked National Security officers stormed the residence of Mr Delali Kwasi Brempong, the NDC candidate because some 15 young men on motorbikes who had been sacked from the La-Bawaleshie JHS polling station had entered his house and begun shooting, according to a report from classfmonline.

Mr. Mahama however singled out the Minister of State and noted that he had been flagged to be taken to court.

“…Bryan Acheampong says he ordered it. He is a candidate for court. We’re going to sue him as an individual.” The Former Commander in Chief added.

He therefore encouraged the party members and enthusiast to remain calm without disturbing the peace by taking the law into their hands.