The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed strong disapproval of the recent actions taken by the Accra Circuit Court and the Ghana Police Service concerning a group of protestors from the Democracy Hub.
According to the party, 28 protestors have been remanded into police custody, while 11 others have been placed in prison, in what the NDC describes as a troubling development under the current Akufo-Addo/Bawumia-led government.
Sammy Gyamfi, National Communication Officer for the NDC, stated that the protestors were arrested while demonstrating against illegal mining, popularly known as ‘galamsey,’ a menace that has ravaged the environment under the watch of the current administration.
"These arrests were accompanied by brutalities inflicted on innocent, unarmed civilians by the Police. Among those arrested were minors, elderly individuals, and a four-month pregnant woman who was merely taking photos near the protest," Mr. Gyamfi noted.
He added that innocent bystanders, including a man returning from church, were also apprehended.
Sammy Gyamfi further criticized the conditions in which the protestors are being held, citing complaints from their families and legal representatives about lack of access and the denial of basic needs such as food and water.
"This high-handedness by the Ghana Police Service, aided by collaborators in the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government, is totally unacceptable. It is reprehensible for the police to treat peaceful protestors, who are exercising their constitutional rights, with such barbarity," he said.
The NDC also took issue with the court's decision to remand the protestors on misdemeanor charges, arguing that the right to protest is a fundamental human right that should not be suppressed.
Mr. Gyamfi remarked, "It is even more disturbing that, instead of focusing on the real issue of illegal mining, which is destroying our lands, water bodies, and forests, the police are being used as a tool to stifle dissent against this failed government."
The NDC contends that the true culprits behind the galamsey problem are the officials within the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration, whom they accuse of overseeing the environmental destruction in pursuit of gold.
"These are the actual criminals who must face the full weight of the law," Gyamfi asserted.
The NDC is demanding the immediate release of the protestors and a discontinuation of their prosecution.
"The increased prevalence of illegal mining under the NPP government poses an existential threat to all Ghanaians. Those who speak out against this threat deserve commendation, not punishment," Gyamfi argued.
In a direct appeal to President Akufo-Addo, Mr. Gyamfi urged him to take action, reminding him of his previous vow to put his presidency on the line to end illegal mining.
"Mr. President, if you have any conscience left, you must instruct your Attorney-General to enter a nolle prosequi in this matter. These citizens are merely holding you accountable for your promises, and they should not become victims of your government's misuse of power," Sammy Gyamfi concluded.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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