Former President and National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, has strongly criticised the treatment of protesters from the Democracy Hub demonstration, following the arrest and remand of over 50 individuals. The protest, aimed at highlighting illegal mining (galamsey) and its environmental impact, escalated when some demonstrators clashed with the police, leading to accusations of blocking roads and obstructing traffic.
The Ghana Police Service detained over 40 protesters initially, with 39 remanded into custody for two weeks. An additional 11 protesters were remanded on Wednesday, September 25. The demonstrators were charged with various offences, including dismantling police barriers during their rally at the 37 Roundabout in Accra.
In a Facebook post, Mahama condemned the court’s decision to remand the protesters, describing it as “high-handed” and an “abuse of their rights.” He urged authorities to respect the balance between maintaining law and order and protecting citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly. “The youth of Ghana have every right to engage in peaceful demonstrations, especially on crucial issues like environmental destruction,” Mahama argued.
The former President called on the judiciary to reconsider the remand decision and immediately grant bail to the arrested protesters. He further warned that overly harsh judicial measures would not deter the youth from speaking out against critical national issues affecting their future.
Mahama’s comments reflect the growing concerns around the handling of peaceful protests in Ghana, particularly those focused on pressing national challenges like illegal mining, which continues to devastate the country’s natural resources.
