Law Firm Runs to Court Seeking ₵10.5m Compensation For Ejura Shootings Victims

Merton & Everett LLP, a law firm dedicated to advancing social justice and providing pro bono assistance has dragged the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), the Ghana Police Service and the Republic, to court demanding compensation for victims of the Ejura Shootings.

It is demanding an amount of GHC10.5 million for the wrongful deaths, deprivation of life, and breaches of constitutional rights of victims.

It comes as the victims mark three years since the incident transpired in the Ashanti Region.

The law firm posits that the casualties were recorded as a result of the use of excessive force during the civilian demonstration by security agencies.

“The plaintiffs assert that these actions represent severe breaches of constitutional and human rights, including the right to life, administrative justice, and freedom of assembly,” a statement released by the firm stated.

The firm is accusing the three of Wrongful Deaths and Injuries; Breach of Constitutional Rights; Inappropriate Military Deployment; and Failure to Ensure Accountability.

Background
On June 26, 2021, social media activist Ibrahim Mohammed alias Kaaka was attacked at dawn at the entrance of his house in Ejura by a mob and died at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital on Monday, June 28, 2021.
His family alleged the attack was connected to his activism.

On Tuesday, June 29, 2021, after the burial of Kaaka, some “irate youth” mounted roadblocks and protested.
Security personnel who were deployed to the scene upon the instruction of the Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah, opened fire on them, leaving two dead and three others sustaining various degrees of injury.

It will be recalled that the three-member Committee after probing the riot in September 2021 recommended that the government compensate the families of the deceased and the injured.

“The Committee recommends adequate Compensation for the families of the two deceased persons, namely, Abdul Nasir Yusif and Murtala Suraj Mohammed. Adequate compensation must also be paid to other injured persons, namely; Louis Ayikpa (20 years), Awal Misbau (16 years) and Nazif Nuhu (30 years). These are the names known to the Committee”, the report said.

On February 5, 2022, the Deputy Minister of the Interior, Naana Eyiah Quansah, presented a cheque for GHC250,000 each to the families of Abdul Nasir Yussif and Mutala Suraj- the deceased.

Exactly a year after that, the injured also received their compensation.