The presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has urged for justice and restitution for the victims of the Ayawaso-West Wuogon by-election violence, with a particular focus on Isshau Yaro, who suffered severe consequences during the incident.
Mahama made these remarks during a visit to Yaro’s residence on April 2, 2024.
Expressing his dismay at Yaro’s current condition, Mahama highlighted the impact of the violence on the young man’s life. Yaro, once energetic and hardworking, has been left incapacitated as a result of the events at Ayawaso West Wuogon.
“The Commission of Enquiry that sat on the Ayawaso West Wuogon case asked that some people should be sanctioned for what they did. Isshau Yaro is waiting for justice. He’s not got justice. The report also recommended that those who were injured be compensated.“Up until today, no compensation has been paid to him, and that is what I have said: that there are casualties who are still suffering the effects and the scars of Ayawaso West Wuogon. I call on them, the president and vice president, to have sympathy for this young man and pay the compensation that will also allow him to put his life back on track,” he stated.
Furthermore, Mahama lamented the lack of justice for Yaro since the incident and criticized the government for failing to comply with the recommendations of the commission of inquiry, which included providing adequate compensation to Yaro.
Mahama pledged that should the NDC assume office in 2025, Yaro would be honored as a hero, and measures would be taken to facilitate his recovery and restoration.
“But if Allah blesses and NDC comes into office, he will be one of our heroes, and we will give him adequate compensation to put his life back on track,” he added.