The Minority in Parliament has demanded the dismissal of Administrator of Minerals Developement Fund, Dr. Hanna Louisa Bisiw-Kotei and Malik Basintale, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) for what they say is “celebration and justification” of the violence and chaos recorded during the Ablekuma North rerun.
The Minority’s call comes after the incidents on Friday, July 11, when former Fisheries Minister Hawa Koomson was attacked by unknown thugs at the St. Peter’s Methodist Church polling station.
The incident disrupted voting temporarily before order was restored after one other NPP Deputy National Organizer was also assaulted.
Addressing journalists in Accra on Wednesday, July 16, the Atiwa West MP, Laurette Korkor urged President Mahama to sack both Hanna Bisiw and Malik Basintale from their positions.
“President Mahama must immediately dismiss Dr. Hanna Louisa Bissiw from her position as CEO of the Minerals Development Fund and Malik Basintale from his role as Acting CEO of the Youth
Employment Agency. Their celebration and justification of violence against opposition figures disqualifies them from holding any public office. This dismissal must happen to demonstrate that the government does not condone political violence,” the Minority demanded.
The Minority Caucus further condemned the actions of these two individuals. They described comments made by the two NDC officials as a “new low” in Ghana’s political discourse.
They cited statements by Dr. Bisiw-Kotei in reaction to the assault against Hawa Koomson in which she justified the attack saying, “violence begets violence.”
The Minority also referenced a Facebook post by Malik Basintale, in which he jokingly referred to one of the men who allegedly intervened to prevent Hawa Koomson from further using her pepper spray, saying he would name him the “Flying Python” and appoint him to be in charge of a “5K Airforce.”
The Minority further contended that such remarks by public servants entrusted with advancing women’s empowerment and youth welfare are contradictory with democratic governance and directly undermines Ghana’s constitutional order.
“Both officials hold senior positions in President Mahama’s government, and their inflammatory rhetoric actively undermines Ghana’s democratic institutions. Their words embolden further lawlessness and signal to potential perpetrators that violence will be excused, justified, and even celebrated by the governing party.
“Such statements from public officials charged with upholding the rule of law are fundamentally incompatible with democratic governance and constitute a direct threat to Ghana’s constitutional order,” The Minority stated.
The Minority also called for the prosecution of all those responsible for the attacks during the rerun.
“All individuals involved in the Ablekuma North violence must be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. There can be no impunity for those who attack our democratic process,” she said.