Crime & Punishment of Friday, 6 September 2024

Source: classfmonline.com

Techiman Shooting: GH¢270,000 compensation not enough - John Mahama

Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congres, John Dramani Mahama Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congres, John Dramani Mahama

John Dramani Mahama, the Flagbearer of the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), has expressed discontent with the compensation awarded to victims of the Techiman South shooting.

Mr. Mahama says the GH¢270,000 settlement awarded to the victims is insufficient.

The High Court in Wenchi had ordered this amount to be paid to six individuals injured in the shooting at the Techiman South collation centre during the 2020 elections.

Speaking at a mini rally in Twimia Nkwanta, Bono East Region, Mr. Mahama condemned the shooting and criticised the compensation figure.

“The compensation given to the victims, I was thinking it would be more than the GH¢270,000, but I acknowledge the court’s decision,” Mr. Mahama said.

He pledged to provide additional assistance if elected, stating: “However, when the NDC comes to power, we’ll ensure to provide the necessary assistance to the victims.”

Mr. Mahama further committed to a thorough investigation into the shooting, vowing to hold those responsible accountable.

"We would investigate the matter and ensure the perpetrators are brought to book and face the law,” he asserted.

He also promised to offer compensation to the families of those who lost their lives in the incident.

The Wenchi High Court ordered the state to compensate six individuals with GH¢45,000 each for injuries sustained during a shooting incident at the Techiman South Collation Centre following the 2020 parliamentary elections.

The ruling came after violent clashes erupted at the centre, ahead of the declaration of Martin Adjei Mensah Korsah as the Member of Parliament-elect for Techiman South.

Security personnel, in a bid to control the unrest, fired shots that resulted in the deaths of two people and injuries to several others.

The injured victims subsequently filed a lawsuit against the state, arguing that their right to life, as guaranteed under Article 13 of the 1992 Constitution and various international human rights statutes, had been violated.