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After increasing demands for the 53 anti-Galamsey protesters to be set free, President Akufo-Addo has rejected claims that the government is silencing opposing opinions.
In an interview with France24 on Friday, October 4, the President acknowledged peaceful protest as an essential element of democracy.
The Democracy Hub Protestors are being prosecuted by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice’s office after some were arrested by the police and allegedly detained for more than the allowed forty-eight hours before being brought to court.
Some legal experts have criticized the state’s harsh detention of the protesters, as they were demonstrating against the serious issue of illegal mining damaging water bodies and forests.
Certain attorneys believe that the individuals protesting could have been released on bail right after being arrested as the allegations against them are minor offenses.
Critics allege that the government is misusing procedures to retaliate against the protesters who have now lodged a legal complaint against the State.
“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.”
He urged for peaceful protests and encouraged protesters to collaborate with the appropriate authorities to address the issue of Galamsey effectively.
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