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Professor Jane Opoku-Agyemang Leads Delegation to Condole Families of 'Black Wednesday' Victims

Black Wednesday: Prof Jane Leads Delegation to Families of Omane Boamah, Murtala

In a poignant display of solidarity and remembrance, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, the vice-presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), spearheaded a high-profile delegation to offer condolences to the families of two victims who lost their lives during the tragic events of what has come to be known as "Black Wednesday." This somber visit took place amid ongoing reflections on the violence that marred the 2020 general elections in Ghana, particularly in the Techiman South constituency, where electoral tensions escalated into deadly clashes.

The delegation, comprising prominent NDC figures, community leaders, and sympathizers, arrived at the homes of the bereaved families with a message of empathy, justice, and a call for accountability. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang, often referred to simply as Prof. Jane, emphasized the need to honor the memory of the fallen by ensuring that such incidents never recur in Ghana's democratic processes. "Black Wednesday" refers specifically to December 9, 2020, a day etched in the nation's collective memory as one of chaos and loss during the collation of election results. Reports from that day detail how security forces' attempts to manage crowds at the collation center in Techiman South turned violent, resulting in the deaths of several individuals, including Alhaji Murtala Mohammed and Omane Boamah.

Alhaji Murtala Mohammed, a young and vibrant member of the community, was remembered by his family as a dedicated supporter of democratic ideals who had been actively involved in the electoral process. His untimely death left a void in his household, with relatives recounting stories of his enthusiasm for politics and his dreams for a better Ghana. Similarly, Omane Boamah, another victim, was described as a pillar of strength for his loved ones, someone whose life was cut short in the pursuit of what should have been a peaceful exercise of civic duty. The families, still grappling with grief years later, welcomed the delegation with a mix of sorrow and gratitude, sharing personal anecdotes that highlighted the human cost of electoral violence.

During the visit, Prof. Jane addressed the gathered mourners, underscoring the NDC's commitment to seeking justice for the victims. She spoke passionately about the broader implications of "Black Wednesday," arguing that it represented a stain on Ghana's reputation as a beacon of democracy in Africa. "We cannot allow the blood of our brothers and sisters to be shed in vain," she stated, calling for thorough investigations and reforms to prevent future occurrences. The delegation presented symbolic gifts, including financial support and items of comfort, as a gesture of the party's ongoing support. This act was not merely ceremonial; it served as a reminder of the NDC's pledge to advocate for electoral integrity and the protection of citizens' rights.

The visit also featured moments of prayer and reflection, with religious leaders from the community joining in to offer spiritual solace. Family members of the deceased expressed their appreciation for the attention, noting that such gestures help keep the memory of their loved ones alive while pushing for systemic change. One relative of Alhaji Murtala Mohammed shared, "It's been a long road of pain, but seeing leaders like Prof. Jane come here reminds us that we are not forgotten. We need answers, and we need peace." This sentiment echoed throughout the interactions, highlighting the lingering trauma from the events.

Broader context reveals that "Black Wednesday" was part of a series of election-related incidents in 2020 that drew widespread condemnation from local and international observers. The violence in Techiman South, in particular, involved allegations of excessive force by security personnel, leading to at least eight reported deaths across the country during the election period. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and local groups like the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), have repeatedly called for independent probes into these incidents. The NDC, under the leadership of former President John Dramani Mahama, has consistently positioned itself as a champion for the victims, using platforms like this visit to amplify demands for accountability from the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.

Prof. Jane's role in this delegation is particularly noteworthy given her background as an educator and advocate for women's rights. As the first female vice-chancellor of a public university in Ghana (University of Cape Coast), she brings a unique perspective to political discourse, often emphasizing education, peace, and inclusivity. Her leadership in this condolence mission aligns with her campaign themes, which focus on healing national divisions and fostering unity. Accompanying her were key party officials, including regional executives and youth organizers, who engaged in discussions with the families about community support initiatives.

The event drew media attention, with journalists capturing the emotional exchanges and the delegation's commitments. It also sparked online conversations, with Ghanaians on social media platforms expressing solidarity using hashtags like #JusticeForBlackWednesday and #EndElectoralViolence. Supporters praised Prof. Jane for her compassionate approach, while critics from opposing political camps questioned the timing, suggesting it was a strategic move ahead of future elections. Nonetheless, the visit underscored a critical narrative: that democracy must not come at the cost of human lives.

In wrapping up the visit, Prof. Jane reiterated the NDC's vision for a Ghana where elections are conducted without fear or intimidation. She urged the youth, in particular, to channel their energies into peaceful advocacy, honoring the legacies of those like Omane Boamah and Murtala by building a more just society. The families, in turn, expressed hope that such engagements would lead to tangible outcomes, such as compensation for victims' dependents and reforms in electoral security protocols.

This condolence mission is part of a larger effort by the NDC to commemorate "Black Wednesday" annually, turning a day of tragedy into one of reflection and action. As Ghana approaches another election cycle, the memories of these events serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of peace and the importance of safeguarding democratic institutions. Prof. Jane's leadership in this regard positions her as a figure of empathy and resolve, bridging the gap between political rhetoric and genuine human connection.

The delegation's departure was marked by promises of continued support, with follow-up visits and assistance programs outlined. For the families, it was a step toward closure, albeit incomplete without full justice. As the sun set on this emotional day, the overarching message was clear: Ghana must learn from its past to secure a brighter, safer future for all its citizens. (Word count: 928)

Read the Full Ghanaweb.com Article at:
[ https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Black-Wednesday-Prof-Jane-leads-delegation-to-families-of-Omane-Boamah-Murtala-1994983 ]