The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama has strongly criticised the recent decision to remand 39 Democracy Hub protesters for two weeks, describing it as “high-handed” and an abuse of their rights.
Members of Democracy Hub staged a protest against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey last Saturday, urging President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to take swift action to halt illegal mining operations and protect the nation’s water bodies and forests.
Though the protest was intended to be peaceful, violence erupted when some demonstrators clashed with the police.
The Ghana Police Service accused the protesters of blocking roads, dismantling police barriers, and obstructing traffic during their demonstration at the 37 Roundabout in Accra. This resulted in the arrest of over 50 protesters.
On Tuesday, September 24, the court remanded 39 of the arrested protesters into police custody for two weeks, with 11 more protesters remanded the following day, September 25.
In a Facebook post on Thursday, Mahama stressed that “We must balance our need to maintain law and order with protecting the rights and freedoms of our citizens.
Remanding Democracy Hub demonstrators for 2 weeks is high-handed and an abuse of their rights.”
He added “The youth of Ghana have a right to engage in manifestations to protect their future, especially in respect of key issues like the destruction of the environment through illegal mining. Draconian judicial decisions such as this won’t stop them from speaking out.
“The authorities must request the judge to review the remand decision and grant them bail immediately.”
