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Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, the president of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), has urged the government, the courts, and the Ghana Police Service to free the demonstrators from the Democracy Hub group who have been placed under detention.
His request comes after a violent demonstration against illegal mining in Accra on September 21, 22, and 23, 2024, resulted in the arrest and imprisonment of 54 protestors, nine of whom are in prison custody and the remaining demonstrators being held by the police.
After starting off peacefully, the event became violent as protesters and police officers fought. It was alleged that demonstrators had set fire to nearby buildings, demolished police barriers, impeded traffic, and blocked roadways near the 37 Roundabout.
Many of the participants were detained by the police in retaliation, which sparked a public discussion on how protestors should be treated.
Speaking on Saturday, September 28, at the 28th GJA Media Awards, Mr. Dwumfour criticized the overbearing activities that took place but commended the police’s professionalism throughout the demonstration. He strongly objected to the decision to remand the demonstrators for a fortnight, calling it “too extreme” and detrimental to Ghana’s human rights reputation.
“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,” the GJA President added.
Mr. Dumfour, however, said that the protestors’ detention was an overreaction and emphasized the significance of striking a balance between law enforcement and the preservation of civil freedoms.
“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,” Mr. Dwumfour stated.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com.
