President John Dramani Mahama has reopened investigations into the Ayawaso West Wuogon (AWW) by-election violence, a case that shocked the nation with images of brutality and impunity.

Delivering a national address to mark 120 days since his return to office for a second term, the President assured Ghanaians that justice will be served for victims of the 2019 electoral chaos, which he described as one of Ghana’s darkest moments in democratic history.

A key figure at the center of the violence, ASP Samuel Kojo Azugu—who then commanded the National Security SWAT team whose operatives were captured on camera brutalizing unarmed civilians—is now cooperating with the National Investigations Bureau (NIB), according to the President.

“ASP Azugu, who was deeply involved in the violence and atrocities on that day, is currently cooperating with the National Investigations Bureau to identify, arrest, and prosecute all those involved,” President Mahama stated.

The NIB has since launched a manhunt for the perpetrators, working in collaboration with a special task force formed by the new Inspector General of Police. The task force is leading investigations into the AWW incident as well as several other unresolved cases of political violence.

The President emphasized that these renewed investigations form part of his broader agenda to restore public trust in the justice system and bring closure to victims and their families.

“Delivering justice is crucial for national healing and trust in our institutions,” he said.

President Mahama recalled the government’s promise to revisit unresolved criminal cases, citing not only the AWW incident but also the 2020 election killings, and the high-profile murders of journalist Ahmed Hussein-Suale and social activist Silas Wulochamey.

In a significant development, Mahama revealed that six years after Hussein-Suale’s murder, an arrest has finally been made. “The Police Service made an arrest, and the suspect has been arraigned and remanded,” he noted.

He detailed progress in other politically related killings:

In Techiman South, where two people were killed during the 2020 polls, investigations are ongoing.

In Odododiodoo, three people have been charged with conspiracy and murder.

In Ablekuma Central, where a military officer was implicated in a civilian death, the scene has been revisited and the Army Chief has been asked to release the officers involved for questioning.

In Dormaa West, the case of Kofi Robert has been reopened, with one suspect arrested and another being pursued.

In Savelugu, where 16-year-old Zakaria Samira was killed, President Mahama acknowledged delays due to witness silence but affirmed that efforts to identify the shooter are ongoing.

He also cited active investigations into electoral violence from the 2024 elections, including cases in Tolon, Damongo, Awutu Senya East, Nkoranza South, Offinso North, and Ahafo Ano South West.

“These are senseless deaths that should never again happen in our nation,” he stressed.

President Mahama pledged that his administration would not allow political violence to go unpunished.

“Elections are to choose leaders, not to murder our citizens,” he said. He also disclosed that the Attorney General is preparing a report to propose compensation for victims and their families.