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Human Rights Activists hold vigil for
44 Ghanaians killed in Gambia
Accra, July 3, Ghanadot/GNA- The Commonwealth Human Rights
Initiative (CHRI) on Tuesday organised a vigil in honour of
the 44 Ghanaians killed in Gambia two years ago.
Speaking at the ceremony, Nana Oye Lithur, Regional
Coordinator, CHRI, said two years on, government had not
done enough to ensure that the perpetrators of the crimes
were brought to justice.
Nana Oye Lithur said government had not yet release the
names of those killed, adding that such attempt to silence
the truth was at odds with human rights and democracy, which
every Ghanaian should, have access to as the country
celebrates its 50th Anniversary.
"Every human life is precious and no one has the right to
take the life of any person in the brutal manner that the
Gambian authorities did in June 2005; those who take lives
must be held accountable for their actions," she said.
She accused President Yahya Jammeh of Gambia and his
military for being responsible for the deaths and called on
the government of Ghana to take the necessary steps in
ensuring that those responsible were brought to justice.
Mrs. Florence Nakazibwe, Project Officer, Access to Justice,
CHRI, said the killings marked indicators and early warning
signs as African leaders debate on the formation of a union
government adding, "Our ability to deal with this situation
will show the level of our maturity to steer the affairs of
all Africans".
"We will not rest until Yahya Jammeh brings justice to the
44 Ghanaians killed in Gambia, injustice anywhere inhibits
justice everywhere". She said.
Some of the activists held placards some of which read "Stop
Extra Judicial Killings," "Yahya Jammeh, Killers must be
Brought to Justice," "AU without Human Rights will fail" and
"Gambia we need cooperation".
In July 23, 2005, 44 Ghanaians and six other Africans
nationals were on transit to Europe and docked in Gambia
waters where the immigration officials identified them as
security threats.
They were allegedly linked to a coup plot attempt and the
Gambia State House officials were alleged to have used
machetes, axes, sticks and other crude objects in killing
them which culminated in international outcry for
investigations into their killings.
GNA
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