Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), has issued a fervent plea to the Akufo-Addo government, the judiciary, and the Ghana Police Service to release the protesters from the Democracy Hub group who have been remanded following a violent protest in Accra.
The demonstration, which began peacefully, escalated into chaos between September 21 and 23, resulting in confrontations between the demonstrators and police officers.
The clashes were triggered when protesters blocked roads, dismantled police barriers, obstructed traffic, and set fire to properties near the 37 Roundabout in Accra. In the aftermath, 54 protesters were apprehended, with 9 currently in prison custody and the remainder held by the police.
During the 28th GJA Media Awards held in Accra on Saturday, September 28, Dwumfour both commended the police for their professionalism in managing the volatile situation and expressed concerns over the use of excessive force during the protest. He strongly criticized the two-week remand of the protesters, describing it as “too extreme” and damaging to the nation’s human rights reputation.
In his speech, Dwumfour emphasized that while the rule of law must be upheld, it is crucial to ensure that citizens’ rights are not infringed upon in the process. He urged a more balanced approach that respects legal procedures while safeguarding human rights.
“I want to commend the Ghana Police Service for exhibiting a high level of professionalism and restraint during the recent three-day protest against Galamsey by some individuals. We note some excesses and provocations that occurred during the demonstration, and the GJA condemns these excesses,” he stated.
“However, we also believe that remanding the protesters for two weeks is too extreme and does not send positive signals when it comes to protecting human rights. As a result, we add our voice to calls on the government, police, and the judiciary to take steps to release the protesters immediately.”
The protest, initially intended to address concerns about illegal mining (galamsey) and government accountability, descended into chaos when demonstrators clashed with security forces.
According to the Ghana Police Service, protesters engaged in disruptive actions such as blocking roads, dismantling police barricades, and setting properties ablaze. These actions led to the arrest of 54 protesters, who now face charges ranging from public disorder to property damage.
Out of the 54 protesters, 9 were transferred to prison custody, while the remaining 45 are being held at police stations across Accra. Lawyers representing the accused filed for bail during a recent court hearing, arguing that their clients had not committed any violent crimes and were being treated unjustly while in detention.
The defense cited concerns about the detainees’ well-being, emphasizing that they had not been adequately fed or cared for while in custody.
However, the prosecution rejected these claims, insisting that the detainees were receiving proper care. They revealed that the accused were being fed regularly, with some even receiving meals from Papaye, a well-known local restaurant in Accra. This revelation led to an outcry from defense lawyers, who argued that the information was misleading and intended to downplay the harsh conditions their clients were facing.
The prosecution further opposed the bail applications, raising concerns about the accused’s unknown addresses, which they claimed could make it difficult to track them if they were released. In light of these concerns, the judge denied the bail applications and ordered that the protesters remain in custody until October 8, when the next court hearing is scheduled.
The decision to remand the protesters for an additional two weeks has sparked widespread debate, with many viewing it as an unnecessary punishment for individuals who were simply exercising their right to protest. Human rights activists and organizations have condemned the move, calling for a swift resolution that respects the fundamental rights of the accused.
Following the court’s ruling, the remanded protesters expressed their dissatisfaction by singing patriotic songs as they were led back to custody. Among those remanded is Oliver Barker-Vormawor, a prominent member of the Democracy Hub group, who has been a vocal critic of the government. Along with 12 other members of the group, Barker-Vormawor will remain in police custody until their next court appearance in October.
The arrest and remand of the Democracy Hub protesters have highlighted the tension between citizens’ right to protest and the state’s responsibility to maintain law and order. While the authorities have justified their actions by pointing to the violent turn of events during the protest, critics argue that the prolonged detention of the protesters is an overreach and a threat to Ghana’s democratic values.
As the case unfolds, the public will be watching closely to see how the government, judiciary, and police respond to the growing calls for the release of the protesters. For now, the fate of the detained demonstrators remains uncertain as they await their next court appearance on October 8.
