Democracy Hub: Arrest of 53 protesters not politically motivated – Akufo-Addo

President Nana Akufo-Addo has rejected claims that the arrest and detention of some 53 protesters is an attempt to stifle dissent in Ghana.

In an interview with France 24 on Friday, October 4, President Akufo-Addo clarified that he supports peaceful demonstrations as part of democratic expression.

His comments come after 53 demonstrators were arrested during a protest against illegal mining, locally known as galamsey.

“I am not responsible for jailing people in Ghana, The courts in Ghana are independent institutions and they have been so through the Fourth Republic. People misconduct themselves and are brought before the court it is for the court, it is for the court to deal with them, it has nothing to do with the executive, and their behaviour is what landed them in trouble with the Police and the court.

“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.”

The recent protest in question was organized to raise awareness of the environmental devastation caused by galamsey, a practice that has severely impacted Ghana’s natural resources, including its rivers and forests.

While the president acknowledged the gravity of the galamsey crisis, he emphasized that protests must remain peaceful and lawful, urging protesters to work with authorities to find sustainable solutions.

Akufo-Addo also turned his attention to broader regional issues, particularly the political turmoil in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.

He expressed disappointment over the decision of the military juntas in these countries to withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) following their respective coups.

Akufo-Addo said he remained hopeful that diplomacy could eventually pave the way for these countries to rejoin the regional bloc.

Addressing the security situation in the Sahel, Akufo-Addo acknowledged that the region has faced increasing instability since the withdrawal of French troops in 2023.

The exit of French forces, who had been combating extremist groups in the area, has led to a surge in militant activity and worsened the overall security climate.

The president called for greater cooperation among West African nations to tackle the rising threat of extremism, urging ECOWAS to redouble its efforts in restoring peace and stability.