NDC condemns arrest and remand of Democracy Hub protesters, calls for immediate release
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has condemned the arrest and remand of protesters from the Democracy Hub, demanding an end to their prosecution and calling for their immediate release.
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In a statement by the NDC's National Communication Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, the party alleged that the Ghana Police Service had arrested and mistreated several protesters who were staging a three-day demonstration against illegal small-scale mining (galamsey).
The statement further claimed that the arrests were accompanied by police brutality against innocent, unarmed civilians.
"Among those arrested were minors, the elderly, and a four-month-pregnant woman who was merely taking pictures near the scene of the demonstration. Another gentleman returning from church was also arrested alongside a host of other innocent bystanders," Gyamfi stated.
He described the police’s actions as unacceptable, accusing them of subjecting peaceful protesters, who were simply expressing their concerns about illegal mining, to inhumane and violent treatment.
Gyamfi also criticized the Accra Circuit Court for remanding the protesters on misdemeanor charges, arguing that the right to protest is a fundamental human right that should not be undermined by excessive measures from the police and the courts.
"We wish to remind the Police and the courts that those who ought to be arrested, remanded, and dealt with in accordance with the law are the irresponsible officials of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government and functionaries of the ruling NPP, who are polluting our water bodies and environment with reckless abandon in search of gold."
He added, "Mr. President, citizens who are merely demanding an end to the galamsey menace, in respect of which you promised to put your 'Presidency on the line,' must not become targets of such brazen misuse of power by your government. If you have any conscience left, you must immediately instruct your Attorney-General to enter a *nolle prosequi* in respect of the prosecution of these protesters, who are only demanding accountability."
Background
The Democracy Hub organized a three-day demonstration from Saturday, September 21, to Monday, September 23, 2024, to raise concerns about the impact of galamsey and economic mismanagement.
Thirty-nine protesters were arrested by the police for allegedly committing unlawful acts during the weekend's demonstrations.
FULL STATEMENT
PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
25th September, 2024.
NDC CONDEMNS MANHANDLING AND REMAND OF DEMOCRACY HUB PROTESTORS, DEMANDS A DISCONTINUANCE OF THEIR PROSECUTION.
1. The National Democratic Congress (NDC), has noted with grave concern the decision by the Accra Circuit Court to remand 28 protestors of the Democracy Hub into Police custody and 11 others into Prison custody at the instance of the despotic Akufo-Addo/Bawumia/NPP government.
2. Prior to this decision, officers of the Ghana Police Service had arrested and manhandled several protestors belonging to the group for staging a three-day demonstration against the illegal mining menace which has totally devastated our environment under the watch of the failed Akufo-Addo/Bawumia/NPP government.
3. These arrests involved brutalities meted out to innocent unarmed civilians by the Police. Among those arrested were minors, the aged and a four-month-old pregnant woman who was merely taking pictures close to the scene of the demonstration. Another gentleman who was returning from church was equally arrested alongside a host of other innocent bystanders.
4. As we speak, families and lawyers of several protestors continue to complain about lack of access to their relatives and clients, some of whom have been denied basic necessities such as food and water.
5. The NDC condemns in no uncertain terms the high-handedness of the Ghana Police Service and their evil collaborators in the despotic Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government. It is totally reprehensible for the Police to subject civilian protestors who are merely expressing their anger against the vexed matter of illegal mining, to such barbaric and inhumane treatment.
6. Even more disgusting, is the decision by the Accra Circuit Court to remand the protestors for offenses that are classified as misdemeanors. The right to protest is an inviolable fundamental human right and must not be inhibited by such acts of high-handedness by the Police and the Courts.
7. It is sad that instead of channelling their energies into stopping the wanton pollution and destruction of our waterbodies, lands and forest reserves, the Ghana Police Service would lend itself as a pliant tool for the suppression of protests against the failed Akufo-Addo/Bawumia NPP government.
8. We wish to remind the Police and the courts that those who ought to be arrested, remanded and dealt with in accordance with law, are the several irresponsible officials of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government and functionaries of the ruling NPP, who are busy polluting our water bodies and environment with reckless abandon in search of gold. These are the actual criminals who must face the full rigours of the law.
9. The NDC hereby demands the discontinuation of the prosecution of these protestors and their immediate release. The increased spate of illegal mining under the watch of the NPP poses an existential threat to all Ghanaians. Persons who have decided to protest against this menace deserve commendation and encouragement and not custodial punishment.
10. Mr. President, citizens who are merely demanding a stop to the Galamsey menace, in respect of which, you promised to put your “Presidency on the line”, must not become targets of such brazen misuse of power by your government. If you have any conscience left in you, you must immediately instruct your Attorney-General, to enter nolle prosequi in respect of the prosecution of these protestors who are only demanding accountability from you.
SIGNED
SAMMY GYAMFI ESQ.
NATIONAL COMMUNICATION OFFICER