Breaking News:8 Ghanaians identified in Gambia killings

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the death of eight Ghanaians in the Gambia.
The eight are among 50 or so Africa nationals allegedly killed by the Gambian authorities two years ago. Although media reports suggest that some 44 Ghanaians were victims of the Gambian murder, the Foreign Ministry told Joy News that it cannot corroborate that report. Investigations into the killings have dragged leading to widespread criticism of both the Ghanaian and Gambian authorities.

The Director of the Legal Bureau of the Ministry, Mr Odoi Anim said a team of investigators will visit the Gambia next month to continue to ask President Jammeh to assist.

He said the investigative team from Ghana identified the place of the murders and the boat on which the victims were traveling before their abduction and subsequent killing.

He told Joy News the autopsy result of the eight confirmed dead show that they died from shock.

“We saw where the gentlemen have been murdered. Yes 44 plus people died…we have identified positively eight Ghanaians. Their family members have been notified…the preliminary investigations show they died of shock and trauma.”

Mr. Anim showed Joy News’ Adisa Lansa names and birth certificates of the eight victims identified so far explaining that their families have since been notified.

But he said it is too early to confirm or deny figures put out by the media suggesting that some 44 Ghanaians died in the killings. He said the investigation has stalled because the Gambian authorities are refusing to cooperate.

He pointed out: “President Jammeh denied flat that no Ghanaian had been murdered in his territory and said it was all the work of his political enemies. So we agreed on a date to meet and as the date drew near we drew the attention of the Gambians and informed them of our arrival in Banjul…but as the date approached they started introducing elements that are at variance with what had been previously agreed on.”

The team investigating the killings is expected to visit the Gambia soon to demand President Jammeh’s involvement. Joy news sources at the castle say a strongly-worded letter has been sent to President Jammeh demanding his country’s cooperation failing which relations between the two countries could be strained.
Source:myjoyonline.com