Minority Calls for Dismissal of Hanna Bisiw and Basintale Over Ablekuma North Violence
They say celebration of political violence undermines democracy, urge President Mahama to act swiftly
- The Minority in Parliament is demanding the immediate dismissal of Dr. Hanna Louisa Bisiw-Kotei
- The call follows the July 11 incident at the St. Peter’s Methodist Church polling station
- The Minority stressed that such behaviour from senior public officials erodes public trust
The Minority in Parliament is demanding the immediate dismissal of Dr. Hanna Louisa Bisiw-Kotei, CEO of the Minerals Development Fund, and Malik Basintale, Acting CEO of the Youth Employment Agency, over what they describe as the “endorsement and celebration” of violence during the recent Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun.
The call follows the July 11 incident at the St. Peter’s Methodist Church polling station, where former Fisheries Minister Hawa Koomson was allegedly attacked by unknown individuals, causing a temporary disruption in voting.
Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Wednesday, July 16, MP for Atiwa West, Laurette Korkor, condemned the conduct of the two officials and called on President John Mahama to take immediate disciplinary action.
“President Mahama must relieve Dr. Hanna Louisa Bisiw and Malik Basintale of their positions. Their public celebration and justification of violence against opposition figures disqualify them from holding public office,” Korkor stated.
The Minority described recent remarks by the two as “a new low” in Ghana’s political landscape. Dr. Bisiw was criticised for a media comment in which she said, “violence begets violence” — a statement the MPs believe condones the attack on Koomson.
Basintale, on the other hand, made light of the situation on Facebook, referring to one of the alleged attackers as the “Flying Python” and joking about appointing him to a fictitious “5K Airforce.”
The Minority stressed that such behaviour from senior public officials erodes public trust and damages the integrity of Ghana’s democracy.
“These statements, especially from officials tasked with youth and women’s empowerment, are reckless and incompatible with their responsibilities. They embolden political lawlessness and send the wrong message that violence is acceptable if politically motivated,” the group noted.
They further urged the Mahama administration to send a clear message that political violence will not be tolerated, regardless of party affiliation.
“To uphold Ghana’s democratic principles and the rule of law, the government must act decisively. Any delay in addressing this sets a dangerous precedent for impunity,” the Minority concluded.
