We have not filed case against Ghana and Gambia at ECOWAS Court, but we will if….Victims of Gambia Massacre

The survivors and victims’ families of about 44 Ghanaians who were massacred in the Gambia in 2005 have said they will take their case to the ECOWAS Court of Justice if the governments of Gambia and Ghana do not bring the perpetrators of the massacre to justice.

Speaking at a press conference in Kumasi on Tuesday, their spokesperson Martin Kyere bemoaned the lack of political will by the two countries and served notice that they will take their case to the ECOWAS Court:

“If we do not see justice soon from Gambia and Ghana we will be forced to take the case to the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice.”

It is recalled that on July 23, 2005, about 56 West African migrants including about 44 Ghanaians who were using an unapproved route to Europe through the Gambia were murdered by Gambia paramilitary forces on the orders of then-president Yahya Jammeh.

The migrants were said to be mercenaries allegedly bent on overthrowing President Jammeh.

Some of the Victims’ Families at the Press Conference in Kumasi

In a follow-up interview, Martin Kyere, a survivor of the massacre denied reports that Ghanaian victims had filed a case against Gambia and Ghana at the ECOWAS Court but said they are contemplating about it, emphasizing they will take their case to the ECOWAS Court if the two governments do not get justice and compensation for them soon.