channel247online
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.
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.”
source: graphic.com.gh
Yaw Boagyan
Rafiq Adam
