President John Dramani Mahama has disclosed that the commander of the National Security SWAT team, implicated in the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election violence, is currently assisting with ongoing investigations by the National Intelligence Bureau.
In a national broadcast marking his 120 days in office on May 5, 2025, President Mahama said ASP Samuel Kojo Azugu is cooperating with the investigation aimed at identifying and prosecuting individuals involved in the January 31, 2019, violence, during which 18 persons suffered various injuries.
“Concerning the January 31, 2019, Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election violence, where eighteen persons suffered injuries from individuals later identified as National Security operatives, we will not let that matter die without justice being served to the victims. ASP Azugu, who was deeply involved in the violence and atrocities on that day, is currently cooperating with the National Intelligence Bureau to identify, arrest, and prosecute all those involved,” he stated.
The president, who was accounting to Ghanaians on the status of 25 key promises made to the electorate as part of his social contract, provided further updates on his commitment to reopen investigations into major unsolved criminal cases, including election-related crimes.
“Delivering justice is crucial for national healing and trust in our institutions. We promised to reopen investigations into major unresolved criminal cases, including the 2020 Election killings, the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election violence, and the murders of Ahmed Hussein-Suale and Silas Wulochamey. The new Inspector General of Police has established a special taskforce, investigations have been reopened, and progress is being made. In the tragic murder of Ahmed Hussein-Suale, six years later, the Police Service made an arrest, and the suspect was arraigned before a court and remanded,” the president said.
According to the president, investigations into the 2020 Ghana election violence across multiple constituencies are progressing, with authorities pursuing justice for victims. In Techiman South, where two people died, probes into the incident continue.
In Odododiodoo, where two fatalities occurred, three individuals face conspiracy and murder charges and are set for trial at the High Court. In Ablekuma Central, a military officer allegedly linked to a death is under scrutiny, with the crime scene revisited and a request made to the Chief of Army Staff to release involved personnel for questioning.
In Banda, the case of Silas Wulochamey’s death, previously closed due to insufficient evidence, has been reopened following new actionable intelligence. In Dormaa West, where Kofi Robert was killed, one suspect is on trial, while another remains at large.
In Savelugu, efforts to identify the shooter responsible for the death of 16-year-old Zakaria Samira are ongoing, hampered by uncooperative witnesses.
GA/AE
