March in Memory of the 44 Killed in Gambia

In memory of the 44 Ghanaians and 6 other African nationals killed in July, 2005, in The Gambia the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI), Africa Office, will on Wednesday, March 12, 2008, hold a march in Accra from 9.00am.

The objectives of the march are to remember the victims of the Gambian killings and to raise awareness on the plight of their families who have gone through immense difficulties and frustrations. This is due to the Ghanaian government’s inability to inform them on what actions are being taken to seek justice for their loved ones.

The march will commence at the premises of the CHRI, pass through some principal streets of Accra including the streets towards the Trades Union Congress (TUC), the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and end at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is expected that about 100 people, including community stakeholders, civil society organisations and the media will be mobilized in the march.

The 44 Ghanaians were alleged to have been arrested along with the 6 other Africans while on their way to Europe by sea through The Gambia.

The victims, numbering 50, were executed in cold blood on July 23, 2005, allegedly on the orders of the Gambian President. The only survivor, Martin Kyere, has since been telling the chilling story to the rest of the world.

As a member of the Gambian Taskforce, an independent coalition seeking to promote respect for human rights in The Gambia, the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) supports this initiative of the CHRI.

Issued by the MFWA, Accra on March 5, 2008.

The MFWA is a regional independent, non-profit, non-governmental organization based in Accra. It was founded in 1997 to defend and promote the rights and freedom of the media and all forms of expression.