Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), has passionately appealed to the Akufo-Addo government, the judiciary and the Ghana Police Service to release the remanded protesters of the Democracy Hub group.
The protest, initially peaceful, turned violent between September 21-23 when clashes broke out between demonstrators and police.
The protesters blocked roads, dismantled police barriers, obstructed traffic, and burned properties at Accra’s 37 Roundabout. Currently, 54 protesters are being held, with 9 in prison custody and the remaining in police custody.
President of the Ghana Journalists Association has commended the police for their professionalism during the recent demonstration, while also condemning the excessive actions that occurred.
He expressed strong disagreement with the decision to remand protesters for two weeks, labelling it as “too extreme” and emphasising its negative implications for human rights protection.
Specifically, Dwumfour highlighted that this move sends the wrong message regarding Ghana’s commitment to safeguarding human rights.
He called for a more balanced approach, one that upholds the law while respecting citizens’ rights.
Dwumfour made these remarks during the 28th GJA Media Awards in Accra, on Saturday, September 28.
“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.
“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.”
Background
The protest, which was intended to be peaceful, turned violent when some demonstrators clashed with the police between Saturday, September 21 to Monday, September 23.
The Ghana Police Service accused the protesters of blocking roads, dismantling police barriers, and obstructing traffic, burning properties during their demonstration at the 37 Roundabout in Accra.
Currently, 53 protesters have been remanded, with 9 in prison and the rest in police custody.
The prosecution has refuted claims of mistreatment of the accused while in custody, insisting that they are receiving proper care.
During the bail hearing, defence lawyers pushed for their clients’ release, citing these conditions. However, the prosecution countered, asserting that the accused are adequately fed, even receiving meals from Papaye, a popular local restaurant. This claim sparked outrage from the defense.
The prosecution also opposed bail, expressing concerns about the unknown addresses of some of the accused. After reviewing the arguments, the judge denied the bail applications, remanding the protesters into custody until October 8.
Following the court proceedings, the remanded protesters expressed their dissatisfaction by singing patriotic songs. This came after Oliver Barker-Vormawor and 12 other Democracy Hub members were remanded in police custody for two weeks, awaiting their next court appearance on October 8.
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