News
Families of Ghanaians killed in “Gambia Massacre” threaten to resurrect case at ECOWAS court
Family members of the 44 Ghanaians who were murdered in The Gambia in 2005 and the sole survivor, Martin Kyere, have appealed to the government to take meaningful steps to ensure justice and pay compensation to them.
They believed that the government‘s intervention to lead the campaign would go a long way to ensure that justice prevailed in the matter.
The Gambian government had set up the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Committee (TRRC) to investigate the massacre which happened under the rule of former president, Yahya Jammeh.
The spokesperson of the victims’ families, the survivor, Mr Kyere, expressed concern about the failure of the government for not doing much to ensure justice as well as payment of compensation to them over the years.
He said their call was under the auspices of Jammeh2Justice Ghana Campaign led by Mr William Nyarko, Executive Director of the Africa Centre for International Law and Accountability (ACILA) and Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana).
Mr Kyere recalled that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who was then the Foreign Affairs Minister when the killings occurred in July 2005, actually led a high-powered government delegation to The Gambia barely two weeks after the first eight bodies were found in the Brufut Forest.
Similarly, former President John Dramani Mahama, was the Vice President of the Republic when the NDC administration signed a Memorandum of Understanding with The Gambia in 2009 to accept a 5,000 US dollars donation from The Gambia, which was to be given to the families to help with the burial expenses of the victims, out of which more than half of the amount was allegedly misappropriated.
“However, to date, no one has said a word about the need to ensure justice and compensation to the victims’ families and survivors”, though there had been confessions made by three Gambian soldiers in July 2019 to the TRRC.
“We, therefore, call on the government to commit to ensuring justice and compensation to the victims’ families and survivors of the July 22 massacre of our fellow Ghanaians in The Gambia”, he said.
He stated “if we do not see justice soon from The Gambia and Ghana, we will be forced to take the case to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Community Court of Justice”.
Mr Kyere indicated that, in October 2019, through the help of the Jammeh2Justice Ghana Coalition, which is spearheading the campaign to bring Mr Jammeh to book and compensation paid, a letter was taken to the TRRC that they qualified as victims under the TRRC Act 2017, and “that we have been waiting to appear before the Commission to have our case heard, to which the TRRC agreed”.
“But as I speak, the TRRC has not officially responded to our request, and we urge the Gambia TRRC to, as a matter of urgency, provide us with the requested information and let us have our day before the TRRC”, Mr Kyere said.
He called on the TRRC to request for a copy of the UN and ECOWAS fact-finding report about the July 2005 massacre which has never been made public.
From Kingssley E. Hope, Kumasi
President John Dramani Mahama has held bilateral talks with the President of South Korea, Lee Jae Myung, reaffirming the strong ties and shared values that continue to define relations between Ghana and South Korea.
During the discussions, President Mahama highlighted the historic connection between the two nations, noting their common commitment to democracy, human rights, and a shared historical experience.
He emphasised the opportunities for deeper cooperation, stating that Ghana’s rich natural and human resources, combined with Korea’s technological expertise and innovation, present a strong foundation for a mutually beneficial partnership.
The President also underscored Ghana’s strategic role within the African market through the African Continental Free Trade Area, whose secretariat is headquartered in Accra, positioning the country as a gateway for production and exports into a market of over 1.4 billion people.
President Lee Jae Myung, in his remarks, described Ghana as a country that holds a special place in the hearts of many Koreans, highlighting decades of cooperation in areas such as maritime security, trade, and agriculture.
He also reflected on the longstanding cultural and economic connection symbolised by the popular “Ghana” chocolate brand made from Ghanaian cocoa, which has been enjoyed in Korea for over five decades.
Both leaders expressed optimism about expanding people-to-people exchanges, cultural engagement, and economic collaboration, with President Lee noting that President Mahama’s visit provides a timely opportunity to deepen practical cooperation that will directly benefit the citizens of both nations.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been informed by the relevant authorities in the United Arab Emirates that two Ghanaian nationals sustained injuries following a drone incident in the vicinity of Dubai International Airport earlier today, March 11, 2026.
Against this backdrop, the Government of Ghana has strongly condemned any act that endangers civilian lives and critical infrastructure.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today, March 11, such incidents pose serious risks to public safety and underscore the importance of ensuring the protection of civilians and vital international transport hubs.
Ghana’s Ambassador in the United Arab Emirates has led a delegation of the Embassy in Abu Dhabi and Consulate in Dubai to visit the two injured Ghanaians in hospital.
Their injuries are not critical and are expected to fully recover soon.
“We therefore urge calm as we continue to extend consular assistance and collaborate closely with host authorities,” the statement added.
The Ministry has revealed that they are closely monitoring the situation and will continue to engage with the appropriate authorities as required.
The Government of Ghana expresses its concern over the incident and conveys its thoughts to the injured individuals and their families.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates the Government of Ghana’s commitment to the protection and welfare of Ghanaian citizens wherever they may be.
The Government of Ghana is actively supporting ongoing consultations within the UN to pass a resolution seeking a cessation of hostilities.
According to the Ministry they are offering the necessary leadership and coordination with Ghana’s diplomatic Missions and will provide updates on the matter as and when the need arises.
Government has reiterated its call for Nationals in the Gulf region to always exercise heightened vigilance and comply with directives from Ghanaian Embassies and local authorities.
