The Wenchi High Court in the Bono East region has ordered the government to pay a total of GH¢150,000 in compensation to six individuals who were injured during the 2020 parliamentary election violence in the Techiman South Constituency.
The violence, which occurred on December 8, 2020, during the collation of election results, resulted in gunshot wounds for several individuals and one death.
The six applicants, Sulemana Elliasu, Abubakari Iddrisu, Alhassan Nasiru, Aremeaw Alhassan, Alhassan Abdul-Rahman, and Paul Asue, sought compensation for the violation of their fundamental human rights, citing the use of excessive force by the security officers.
According to the court document, the applicants were shot by security officers who were deployed to the Techiman South Collation Center to maintain order.
The applicants alleged that the security officers used excessive force, resulting in their injuries.
“The security officers started firing their weapons ostensibly to control the crowd, but this resulted in a number of people suffering serious gunshot wounds and one person dying as a result of injuries from gunshot,” the court document stated.
The applicant’s lawyer, argued that the use of force by the security officers was not justified and violated his client’s right to life and dignity.
“The use of firearms by the security officers was not based on any reasonable justification under the law. It was indiscriminate firing, and my clients were injured as a result,” he said.
The court presided over by Justice Frederick Nawurah, held that the evidence, including video footage, showed that the applicants suffered gunshot wounds as a result of the security officers’ actions.
“The evidence on record, including video evidence, shows that the applicants suffered from gunshot wounds as a result of actions by security officers. The use of firearms by the security officers, which led to the injuries, was not based on any reasonable justification under the law,” the court held.
The court awarded GH¢20,000 in costs to each of the six applicants and ordered the government to pay a total of GH¢150,000 in compensation.
“We are satisfied with the court’s decision. It is a victory for justice and a vindication of our client’s rights,” counsel said.
The ruling highlights the need for accountability and restraint in the use of force by security officers during public gatherings and elections.
The court’s decision also underscores the importance of protecting citizens’ fundamental human rights, including the right to life and dignity.
“The government must take responsibility for the actions of its security officers. The use of excessive force is never justified, and the government must ensure that its officers are held accountable for their actions,” said Samuel Agbotsey, a human rights activist.
However, the government has been ordered to pay the compensation within 30 days.
-BY Daniel Bampoe