Lydia Salem Alhassan, Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Woogon and nominee for Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, addressed the events of the 2019 by-election for the first time in the vote on Tuesday, March 5. did.
In response to questions, Lydia Alhassan clarified that she had no intention of winning the election through violence and described the incident as “unfortunate.”
“The incident that occurred on January 31, 2019 is unfortunate. [then]The focus was on winning elections, supporting the voiceless and disadvantaged, and supporting the constituency, but the objective was not to win through violence. ”
She further said that she was not present at the scene when the incident occurred, recalling her difficult experience at the hands of the minority on her inauguration day in the National Assembly.
Alhassan also spoke about the impact the incident had on her as a woman and a mother, and stressed the importance of eliminating violence during elections to foster democracy in Ghana.
“As you know, I was not near where the incident took place. You all will remember how I was received the day I first stepped foot in Parliament. A grieving woman. I am glad that I had the opportunity to put an end to this problem and I want to get it off my chest.
“As you all know, I wasn’t around when it happened, but as a woman and a mother, I was deeply moved by this incident. I pray that this never happens to those who try to serve her people. Something like this must never happen again in the history of our quest to lead this country in democracy. The issue of violence in our elections must never arise again,” she advised.
Ayawaso West Ugong by-election
The NDC withdrew from the Ayawaso West Woogon by-election following the shooting incident at the polling station.
Several masked men were caught on camera beating civilians who did not resist arrest. Fully armed men were also seen together with several police officers.
The government then set up a committee to investigate the incident.
The Emir Short-term Investigative Committee is tasked, among other things, to “fully, faithfully and impartially investigate the events that occurred during the Ayawaso West Ugon by-election and the circumstances of the violence related thereto and establish the facts that gave rise to it.” It was said that ”
The committee took evidence from key witnesses in the matter, including Ningo Prampram MP Sam George. National Security SWAT Team Commander, DSP Samuel Azugu. and then NDC parliamentary candidate Delali Kwasi Brempong.
The commission interviewed more than 20 other witnesses and dignitaries over a three-week period.
The committee completed its investigation and submitted its report to the President.
The Emir Short-Term Committee recommended, inter alia, that victims of violence should be paid compensation for the damages suffered.
Many of the recommendations were rejected by the government in the White Paper.
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