The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame has urged the Ghana Police Service (GPS) to as a matter of urgency conclude the investigations by the next adjourned dates of the cases involving the prosecution of Democracy Hub protesters.
He has also advised the prosecution to consider relevant bail applications made at the next adjourned dates of the cases.
Speaking in Accra on Tuesday at the annual conference of the Association of Magistrates and Judges of Ghana (AMJG) held on the theme “Improving the Security and the Welfare of the Judiciary for Effective Justice Delivery,” Mr Dame urged the “Police Service to swiftly conclude investigations by the next adjourned dates of the cases involving the prosecution of excesses from recent protests in Accra to exclude by that date, all those against whom sufficient evidence cannot be found to proceed further.”
“I will also advise the prosecution to consider relevant bail applications made at the next adjourned dates of the cases.”
A peaceful protest turned violent between September 21-23 when demonstrators clashed with police. The GPS accused protesters of blocking roads, dismantling barriers, obstructing traffic, and burning properties at Accra’s 37 Roundabout. Currently, 53 protesters are remanded; 9 are in prison and the rest are in police custody.
The prosecution denies mistreating the accused, insisting they received proper care. During the bail hearing, defence lawyers sought release, citing harsh conditions. However, prosecutors countered that the accused received adequate food, including meals from the popular local restaurant Papaye. This sparked defence outrage.
Prosecutors opposed bail, citing concerns over unknown addresses. The judge denied bail applications, remanding protesters until October 8.
Following court proceedings, remanded protesters expressed dissatisfaction by singing patriotic songs. This follows Oliver Barker-Vormawor and 12 Democracy Hub members’ two-week remand in police custody, awaiting their October 8 court appearance.
