President Nana Akufo-Addo has rejected claims that the recent arrest and detention of 53 protesters was an effort to stifle dissent in Ghana. In an interview with France 24 on Friday, October 4, President Akufo-Addo addressed concerns over the issue, asserting that his administration supports peaceful demonstrations as a key element of democratic expression.
The interview followed the arrest of demonstrators protesting against illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, which has become a contentious issue in Ghana.
During the interview, President Akufo-Addo made it clear that he has no direct role in the legal outcomes of such situations. “I am not responsible for jailing people in Ghana,” he said. “The courts in Ghana are independent institutions and have been so throughout the Fourth Republic. People misconduct themselves and are brought before the court, and it is for the court to deal with them. It has nothing to do with the executive, and their behavior is what landed them in trouble with the police and the court.”
He further questioned how a president who had built his political career by leading protests could be accused of being anti-protest. “How can a president whose political career was aided by leading protests have problems with protests? I don’t have problems with protests, and nothing is done in Ghana to prevent people from airing their views,” Akufo-Addo emphasized.
The protest that led to the arrests was organized to raise awareness about the environmental devastation caused by illegal mining activities, particularly galamsey. The practice has had a damaging effect on Ghana’s natural resources, particularly its rivers and forests, sparking widespread concern across the nation. While President Akufo-Addo acknowledged the seriousness of the galamsey issue, he reiterated that demonstrations must remain peaceful and lawful. He urged protesters to cooperate with authorities in addressing the issue and finding sustainable solutions to protect the environment.
Shifting the conversation to broader regional matters, President Akufo-Addo expressed disappointment with the recent political instability in neighboring West African countries, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. These nations have experienced coups that led to the establishment of military juntas, which have since withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Akufo-Addo voiced his regret over these developments, emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation in maintaining stability.
“I am deeply disappointed by the decisions of the military juntas in these countries to withdraw from ECOWAS. This regional bloc has been crucial in promoting economic development and political stability across West Africa,” the president said. Despite this disappointment, Akufo-Addo remained optimistic about the possibility of these nations eventually rejoining the organization through diplomatic channels. “I am hopeful that diplomacy will eventually pave the way for these countries to rejoin ECOWAS and work towards restoring democracy,” he added.
In addition to the political turbulence in these countries, Akufo-Addo addressed the worsening security situation in the Sahel region, which has been plagued by increasing instability. Following the withdrawal of French troops in 2023, militant activity surged, exacerbating the overall security crisis. The French forces had been stationed in the region to combat extremist groups, but their exit created a vacuum that extremist groups have since exploited.
President Akufo-Addo acknowledged the significant challenges posed by the growing threat of extremism in the Sahel, which continues to affect not only the countries directly involved but the wider West African region. He called for enhanced cooperation among West African nations in confronting the threat, urging ECOWAS to strengthen its efforts to restore peace and stability in the region.
“The security situation in the Sahel has deteriorated since the withdrawal of French forces. This has left a power vacuum that militant groups have taken advantage of, leading to a surge in extremist activities. It is critical for us as West African nations to come together and address this threat. ECOWAS must redouble its efforts in restoring peace and ensuring stability in the region,” Akufo-Addo said.
In his remarks, the president also stressed the importance of continued international support in the fight against extremism, calling on global partners to assist West African nations in combating the threat and promoting stability in the Sahel. “We cannot tackle this problem alone,” he noted. “We need the support of the international community to help us fight extremism and bring stability back to the Sahel region.”
President Akufo-Addo’s interview comes at a time of heightened tension in both domestic and regional affairs. His comments about the protest arrests highlight his administration’s position on civil liberties and the role of the judiciary in handling cases related to public demonstrations. At the same time, his remarks on the Sahel region reflect Ghana’s broader concerns about the security and political future of West Africa.
As the debate over the recent arrests continues, President Akufo-Addo’s insistence on the independence of the judiciary and his support for peaceful protests will likely remain key talking points. Meanwhile, his call for regional and international cooperation to address the threats facing West Africa underscores the complexity of the challenges confronting the region.
With issues such as illegal mining, political instability, and extremism at the forefront, the road ahead for Ghana and its neighbors will require collaborative efforts on multiple fronts.
