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By: Edward Graham Sebbie
The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHIRAJ) promises adherence to due diligence in its investigations to ensure justice in the Songor-Electrochem alleged brutalities and human rights violations.
Head of Business and Human Rights at CHRAJ, Clement Kadogbe, made the assurance when he led a three-member team to meet with victims at Toflokpo in the East Ada District of the Greater Accra Region. The meeting became necessary following a petition filed by nine of the victims to the commission in 2023, demanding a full-scale investigation into various alleged molestations of members of communities around the Songor Lagoon.
Mr. Kadogbe, speaking to the media at the engagement, said the commission, upon receipt of the petition, assessed it and informed the accused parties after ascertaining its merit. “After perusing the petition and realising its merit, we wrote to the accused institutions, some of whom responded, but others did not despite reminders,” he revealed.
He promised fairness in the pursuit of the fact-finding mission, hinting at a possible court action given the narrative so far. “Yes, it could result in a court action, but I don’t want to preempt the outcome of our investigations. Our findings will be contained in the recommendations we will put out.”
Mr. Kadogbe, who admitted that these allegations have lingered for some time, however urged the victims to exercise restraint, as they have done over the years, and trust the commission to conduct a thorough and objective investigation since the wheel of justice grinds slowly. “We are happy to be here today to listen to personal accounts from the petitioners and other alleged victims, with some pictorial evidence. We will engage those the allegations have been levelled against, and in a matter of time, you will hear from us,” he reiterated.
Elkanah Otu Anim, a victim, told the media that he has since been battling ill-health with daily pains after he was shot in the head region by Electrochem security and some police personnel. “I was referred to the Ridge Hospital from the Ada District Hospital, where pellets were detected in my head. Doctors managed to remove two of the pellets, leaving five, one of which they said will lead to blindness if they attempt to remove it due to its proximity to my eye veins,” he recounted amidst tears. The incident, he noted, has left him unable to work or walk in sunny weather, making it difficult for him to fend for his family as a salt worker.
Another victim, Christiana Morjifa Anim, who was dragged out of the bathroom naked, said she cannot come to terms with the actions of state security operatives who are supposed to protect the citizenry. She said, “A notorious land guard, Alhassan, barged into the bathroom, hooked my panty together with the beads around my waist on the instruction of the then District Police Commander, ASP George Aboagye, and threw me into a waiting vehicle naked on a claim that I’m part of those courting disaffection for Electrochem and McDan.”
Miss Morjifa, who further narrated that they turned down her request to put on her cloth, looks forward to CHRAJ conducting thorough investigations to bring perpetrators to book irrespective of their social or political relations.
The Chief of Toflokpo, Nene Mailo Dadebom Anim ll, who was also molested by police officers, said the period has been long overdue but better late than never, expressing hope for justice. “I am happy that CHRAJ has finally come because I was tortured, molested and humiliated, and the laws of Ghana do not permit anyone to do what they did to us,” he retorted.
The traditional leader therefore appealed to the president, Speaker of Parliament, and the parliamentarians to withdraw the lease licence for the necessary procedures to be observed to avoid such related abuses.
Asked if the refusal of some accused institutions will not impede the process, Mr. Kadogbe dissented, saying, “Not necessarily. All we have to do is to listen to all involved parties, and if any of them chooses not to respond, we will go ahead to do our work.”
Over forty individuals who were, one way or the other, brutalised between 2021 and 2024 in connection with the Songor-Electrochem brouhaha turned up at the meeting to also give accounts of their ordeals.
Given the number of alleged victims, the commission will return at a later date to collect more evidence to enable it in that regard.
