Amnesty International Ghana has urged a comprehensive, independent investigation into allegations of police misconduct during the recent Democracy Hub demonstration against illegal mining (galamsey).
The human rights organization expressed concerns over the potential harm to the nation’s civic space, especially with the general elections approaching.
The protests, held between September 21 and 23, were organized by Democracy Hub to raise awareness and oppose the ongoing illegal mining activities in Ghana. Demonstrators gathered at the 37 Intersection in Accra, demanding government action against the damaging effects of galamsey. However, the peaceful protests took a violent turn as the police clashed with protesters, leading to a significant number of arrests.
Amnesty International is deeply concerned about the handling of the situation by the police, especially the manhandling of citizens who were exercising their right to peaceful assembly. The human rights organization fears that such acts of police brutality could further restrict the shrinking civic space in Ghana. This could have serious implications for citizens’ ability to express themselves before, during, and after the upcoming general elections.
Genevieve Partington, the Country Director of Amnesty International Ghana, emphasized the importance of addressing these human rights abuses. In an interview with Citi News, she stated, “We are requesting a list of all detained protesters and where they are stationed so we can be granted access to them, so they receive the necessary care and basic human rights. We are also appealing that all who were unlawfully arrested be compensated according to the law of Ghana.”
The organization is also calling for a review of the laws governing protests in Ghana, particularly the Public Order Act of 1994 (Act 491). According to Partington, current laws do not adequately protect the rights of citizens to peacefully assemble, and in many cases, the police have used these laws to suppress demonstrations.
More members of the Democracy Hub, including activist Felicity Nelson, are to remain in police custody overnight after their court hearing was adjourned by Circuit Court 6. The hearing, which was supposed to address their bail applications, was postponed to Thursday, September 25, to give the prosecution more time to respond to the defendants’ requests. This delay has left protesters in a state of uncertainty, with many fearing prolonged detention.
As of now, the total number of remanded protesters stands at 53. All of these individuals were arrested during the Democracy Hub demonstrations, which aimed to draw attention to the government’s failure to effectively address illegal mining. The protesters have maintained that their actions were peaceful and were meant to promote awareness of the devastating impact of galamsey on Ghana’s environment and communities.
The protests have sparked widespread outrage, particularly due to the violent response from the police. Several videos have surfaced showing officers using excessive force to disperse the crowds, raising concerns about the increasing militarization of protests in Ghana. Many citizens are worried that the police’s aggressive actions could deter people from participating in future demonstrations, further limiting the freedom of expression in the country.
Amnesty International is calling on the government to take these issues seriously and to ensure that law and order are maintained as the December elections approach. The organization believes that without immediate action, the continued suppression of citizens’ rights could lead to long-term damage to the country’s democratic fabric.
Genevieve Partington also expressed her concerns over the possibility of further violations if swift action is not taken. “It’s time the government took these issues seriously and ensured law and order as we approach the elections in December,” she stated. Amnesty International has made it clear that failure to address these abuses could have serious consequences for Ghana’s democracy.
In addition to calling for the release of unlawfully detained protesters, Amnesty International is demanding that those who suffered abuse at the hands of the police receive compensation. The organization believes that this would not only provide justice to the victims but also serve as a deterrent to future violations of citizens’ rights.
As the situation develops, many are looking to the government and the police to respond appropriately. There is hope that an independent investigation will shed light on the events that transpired during the protests and hold those responsible for any misconduct accountable. However, there is also a growing sense of urgency, as citizens fear that without proper accountability, similar incidents could occur in the lead-up to the elections.
Amnesty International’s demands reflect a broader call for reforms in the way protests are handled in Ghana. The organization’s push for a review of the Public Order Act underscores the need for a legal framework that respects citizens’ rights while maintaining public order. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for the future of protest movements in Ghana and the broader struggle for human rights.
As the protests continue and more citizens raise their voices against galamsey, the government will be under increasing pressure to respond. The question remains whether the authorities will choose to address the root causes of the protests or continue to suppress dissent through force.
