The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has strongly condemned the Accra Circuit Court’s decision to remand 28 protesters into police custody and send 11 others to prison. The protesters, part of the Democracy Hub movement, were arrested during a three-day demonstration against illegal mining, or galamsey, which has severely impacted Ghana’s environment.
The NDC, in a statement signed by National Communications Officer Sammy Gyamfi, criticized the remand as yet another instance of oppressive governance under President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. The party called the arrests and legal proceedings a blatant attempt to suppress civil dissent and undermine the people’s right to protest.
Eyewitnesses claim that police officers used excessive force during the demonstration, assaulting several protesters, including minors, elderly individuals, and even a pregnant woman who was reportedly taking pictures near the protest site. Reports also indicate that a man returning from church and other innocent bystanders were caught up in the arrests.
The NDC expressed outrage that families and lawyers of the detained individuals have faced obstacles in accessing their loved ones, with some detainees being denied basic necessities like food and water. The party also decried the actions of the police and judiciary, emphasizing that the right to protest is a fundamental human right and should be respected by state authorities.
“It is alarming that instead of addressing the severe pollution of our water bodies and lands caused by illegal mining, the Ghana Police Service is focused on suppressing citizens who are courageously expressing their concerns,” the NDC statement read.
The party further urged the police and judiciary to shift their attention to government officials complicit in the environmental destruction caused by galamsey, rather than punishing citizens who are advocating for the protection of Ghana’s natural resources. According to the NDC, the protestors were peacefully addressing a critical issue that affects the future of the nation and should be met with support, not criminal charges.
In a direct appeal to President Akufo-Addo, the NDC called on him to honor his promises to tackle illegal mining and immediately instruct the Attorney-General to drop all charges against the protesters. The statement underscored that citizens demanding accountability and environmental protection should not be treated as criminals.
The NDC concluded by demanding the immediate release of all detained protestors, affirming the party’s commitment to defending the democratic rights of Ghanaians to freely express their grievances without fear of retribution.
**End.**
