Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama is calling for justice for the victims of the 2005 massacre in The Gambia.
The President has called on the global community to support efforts aimed at compensating the families of the victims and holding perpetrators of the act accountable.
‘The Gambia Massacre’, as it is referred, saw the gruesome killing of approximately 56 West African migrants, predominantly Ghanaians, by some Gambian security operatives under the leadership of former President Yahya Jammeh.
Despite numerous calls for justice to be given to victims of the brutality and compensation for their families, nothing has been done till date.
During his official visit to The Gambia Friday, January 17, 2025, President Mahama stressed that providing justice helps heal the wounds caused to the bereaved families from the torture meted out to the victims.
Mahama in his address acknowledged the efforts put in place by The Gambia’s Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) in attending to the plight of those affected.
He said such processes were significant in confronting the nation’s past and promoting the progress of democracy.
“The truth and reconciliation process is vital in exorcising the pain endured during the less democratic periods of the country’s history,” he stated in his address.
The President asserted that getting justice for the victims is the surest way to provide closure for the families and nations whose nationals were involved.
While commending ongoing democratic reforms in The Gambia, President Mahama called for a collective international effort to ensure accountability and reparations.
