Some scores of Democracy Hub protesters who were arrested during their recent protest, have appeared before the Accra Circuit Court on Tuesday following charges related to unlawful assembly and actions. The protesters, including leading members Ralph and social media activist Ama Governor, were escorted by a sizable police contingent to ensure order at the court. The strong security presence at the court premises aims to maintain peace and calm as the protesters face legal proceedings. Tensions are high, and authorities are keen to prevent any further disturbances. This follows Democracy Hub’s three-day demonstration, during which the group demanded that the government take stronger action against illegal mining, also known as galamsey. Additionally, they sought to "Reoccupy Julorbi House," highlighting the pressing need for transparency and accountability in governance. As the case unfolds, the public remains closely attentive to the developments, given the significance of the issues at the heart of the protest. More updates to follow. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Day 3 of the #ReOccupyJulorbiHouse demonstration in Accra concluded with the Ghana Police Service removing barricades and reopening roads to vehicular traffic. This comes after heightened tensions earlier in the day, when two more demonstrators were arrested by the police. The 3-day protests was organized by a group calling itself, Democracy Hub. The protest sought to address concerns about the state of some Ghanaian river bodies due to galamsey activities. Traffic flow around the protest area has since resumed, bringing some relief to commuters. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Mortuary Workers Association of Ghana (MOWAG) has announced a nationwide strike beginning Thursday, September 26, 2024, over unresolved grievances and poor working conditions. In a statement released on Tuesday, September 17, MOWAG’s General Secretary, Richard Kofi Jordan, expressed frustration at the government’s continued neglect of their demands. The strike, he said, is a last resort after numerous unsuccessful attempts to resolve the issues. Among the concerns raised by the workers are inadequate provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), leaving them vulnerable to diseases and hazardous working conditions. They also cited unpaid salary arrears dating back to 2020 and the government’s failure to grant financial clearance to employ 500 additional workers. Additionally, MOWAG is demanding the payment of the COVID-19 bonuses promised by the President, which mortuary workers have yet to receive. The statement also highlighted the alarming death toll among mortuary workers, with 16 reported deaths within the last year, underscoring the urgent need for action. As a result of the strike, all mortuaries across the country will be closed, and workers will remain at home until their demands are addressed. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Manhyia Palace has reportedly rejected an apology from Afia Pokua and Onua TV regarding recent remarks that were deemed disrespectful to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. The apology came after Afia Pokua, a well-known media personality, made comments that stirred controversy, prompting calls for her to retract her statements. Despite the issued apology, the palace has refused to accept it, stressing that the comments made were unacceptable and that further actions may be taken to address the matter. The rejection underscores the palace's commitment to protecting the dignity of the Asantehene and maintaining respect for the royal institution. Further developments are expected as the issue unfolds, with the potential for additional responses from Onua TV and Afia Pokua herself. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ghana Police Service has arrested Oliver Barker Vormawor, a prominent leader of Democracy Hub, for his involvement in unlawful acts during protests held at the 37 Intersection in Accra. The incidents occurred on Saturday, 21st September, and Sunday, 22nd September. In a statement, ACP Grace Ansah-Akrofi, Director of Public Affairs for the Ghana Police Service, confirmed the arrest and indicated that the actions of Oliver Barker Vormawor and his group violated public order laws. She emphasized that the police are committed to maintaining peace and ensuring that demonstrations are conducted within the framework of the law. "Oliver Barker Vormawor was arrested following his participation in activities that breached public order at the 37 Intersection. The Ghana Police Service remains resolute in enforcing the law to safeguard public safety and security," ACP Grace Ansah-Akrofi said. The police are currently conducting further investigations, and Oliver Barker Vormawor is expected to face legal consequences for his actions. The public is urged to comply with the law when organizing or participating in public demonstrations. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

On the first day of the 'Stop Galamsey and Reoccupy Julorbi House' protest, demonstrators were not only united in their cause but also in their shared act of solidarity, as they were served kooko and koose—a gesture made possible by one of the key organizers. This act of care underscored the spirit of resilience among those gathered to demand decisive action against illegal mining and greater government accountability.. Meanwhile, the police set up extensive barricades around the protest grounds, ensuring a peaceful atmosphere as tensions simmer over the nation’s ongoing environmental crisis The protest, organized by the Democracy Hub, drew attention to the destructive impact of illegal mining (galamsey) on Ghana's communities and natural resources. With security forces in place, the event remained orderly, but the powerful message from the demonstrators was clear: the fight against galamsey and the call for accountability will not be silenced. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

In the early hours of Saturday, a devastating accident claimed the lives of eight people and left many others injured on the Accra-Kumasi Highway. The crash occurred around 5:30 am in Obretema, a small town in the Suhum Municipality, shattering the quiet dawn with tragedy. A VIP bus, bearing the registration number GR 7632-24 and traveling from Tamale to Accra, was involved in the deadly collision. Among the victims were seven men and one woman, whose lives were tragically cut short at the scene. The bus, carrying passengers on what should have been an ordinary journey, instead became a vehicle of sorrow. Eyewitnesses reported scenes of anguish and panic as emergency services arrived to find the lifeless bodies of those who had perished in the crash. The surviving passengers, many of them gravely injured, were rushed to the Suhum Government Hospital for emergency treatment. Their fate now hangs in the balance as families anxiously await news. As investigations begin into the cause of the crash, this tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers on our roads. Families have been torn apart, and a nation mourns yet another senseless loss of life. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

A group of Democracy Hub demonstrators, who gathered as part of the ongoing #StopGalamseyNow protest, have temporarily paused their demonstration and taken to playing football at the 37 Roundabout in Accra. Ralph, one of the lead conveners of the protest, joined several participants in the impromptu football match. The demonstrators, initially gathered to voice their concerns over illegal mining (galamsey), have also begun blocking vehicles from accessing the 37 Roundabout as part of their protest actions. Dressed in black and red attire, symbolizing their dissatisfaction, the protesters are carrying placards with messages demanding immediate action to end the destructive effects of galamsey on Ghana’s environment. The protest, which was expected to continue with speeches and advocacy, saw this unusual twist as demonstrators engaged in the soccer game while maintaining their call for action against illegal mining. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Civil society group, Democracy Hub has announced its decision to move forward with its planned #StopGalamseyNow demonstration, despite a court injunction sought by the Ghana Police Service. The protest, aimed at raising awareness about illegal mining (galamsey) and its environmental impact, is scheduled to take place from September 21 to 23, 2024. In a press release issued after a meeting with the Ghana Police Service earlier today, Democracy Hub revealed that the Police had pursued an ex parte injunction to halt the demonstration. The group's representatives expressed concerns over the injunction being sought without prior notice, despite months of engagement. They argued that this undermined trust in both the police and the judiciary, as courts in Ghana have historically upheld similar requests by law enforcement. The group also requested a copy of the affidavit that was used to secure the injunction, but the Police refused to provide it. Democracy Hub believes the injunction unlawfully restricts their right to peaceful assembly, as it appears to prohibit any future protests organized by the group. Additionally, the organizers asked for a security assessment that the Police claimed justified the injunction. However, the Police again declined to share the information. Democracy Hub insists that restrictions on constitutional rights must be supported by clear, evidence-based justifications. The Police proposed alternative locations for the protest, including Kawukudi Park, Efua Sutherland Park, and areas near El Wak Stadium and Obra Spot. After consulting with security experts, Democracy Hub rejected these sites, citing concerns about public safety and the locations' lack of significance to the protest's purpose. Instead, the group offered six alternative sites, including the 37 Roundabout and Airport Roundabout, which the Police also refused. Faced with this deadlock, Democracy Hub has decided to revert to its original plan of holding the demonstration at the Revolutionary Square, a location they believe is secure and manageable from a public safety perspective. The group will hold a press conference at 3 p.m. today at the Freedom Center in Kokomlemle to provide further details and logistical arrangements for the protest. "We are not seeking confrontation," said Naa Densuaa, the group's spokesperson. "This demonstration is about raising awareness of the destructive impact of illegal mining on our environment and communities. We are committed to a peaceful and organized protest, and we urge the Police to respect our constitutional right to do so." As the standoff continues, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in the days leading up to the protest. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ghana Police Service has announced a series of road blocks and diversions in parts of Accra as part of a special operation from 21st to 24th September 2024. These measures are aimed at ensuring smooth traffic flow and security during the period. According to ASP Richmond Mensah, Staff Officer of the Public Affairs Directorate, the affected routes include key highways and intersections across the city. Outlined below are the routes that will be blocked and diverted: 1. Traffic from the Central Business District (CBD) to Independence Avenue, connecting to Liberation Road, will be blocked at the AU Roundabout. 2. Vehicles at the AU Roundabout will be diverted onto Castle Road, heading towards Ridge Roundabout and onto the Kanda Highway through to Gold House Traffic Light (Kawukudi). Alternatively, motorists can use Castle Road, linking Lokko Street to Independence Avenue, and continue towards Labone and beyond. 3. From the AU Roundabout, traffic can also turn right onto Second Avenue (GI) leading to Ring Road Central, passing in front of the Police Headquarters to Dankwa Circle, and through Cantonments Road towards Ghana International School along the Second Circular Road to Giffard Road (El-Wak traffic light) and beyond. 4. Traffic from Madina heading towards Accra will be redirected at the 37 Roundabout. Drivers will be diverted via Obasanjo Highway to Gold House Traffic Light, then onto Dr. Liman Highway (Kanda Highway), passing Ridge Roundabout and Castle Road to access the Central Business District. 5. Alternatively, motorists at the 37 Roundabout can turn onto Giffard Road (Burma Camp Road), linking with Second Circular Road in front of Ghana International School, and continue towards Cantonments Road and Dankwa Circle. 6. Another alternative is to take Giffard Road towards the Trade Fair and join Beach Road towards the Central Business District. 7. Presidential Drive, located behind TV3, will be blocked at the Kanda Post Office Junction, with traffic diverted to Dr. Liman Highway for alternative routes. 8. Traffic will turn right onto Obasanjo Highway to Gold House Traffic Light, continuing on Dr. Liman Highway. 9. The road in front of Prudential Bank will also be blocked, affecting the stretch from Ring Road towards TV3. ASP Mensah advised pedestrians to avoid the AU Roundabout to 37 Roundabout stretch during the operation period. He also noted that special arrangements will be made for individuals accessing the 37 Military Hospital, TV3, and those living in the affected areas. Officers from the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) will be stationed at strategic points to guide motorists through the diversions. The police expressed gratitude to the public for their cooperation and patience throughout the period. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ghana Police Service has held a crucial meeting with Democracy Hub, the organizers of a planned demonstration, to address security concerns and ensure compliance with a recent court order. The meeting, held this morning, centered around the court’s prohibition of any demonstration at Revolution Square, near the Jubilee House, citing public defense, public safety, public health, and the maintenance of essential services as key concerns. During the engagement, Democracy Hub organizers acknowledged having received the court order, which was issued to prevent demonstrations at the sensitive location. In response, the police requested alternative locations for the demonstration, and the organizers suggested several prominent areas, including the 37 Roundabout, Airport Roundabout, Opeibea Intersection, Stanbic Heights, Christ the King, and the Arko Adjei Interchange. However, after a security assessment, the police deemed these locations inappropriate, expressing concern that holding the demonstration at any of the proposed areas could endanger public defense, safety, health, and the running of essential services. In an effort to reach a compromise, the police offered the organizers seven alternative locations for consideration: the Cantonments Post Office-DVLA stretch, the VAG Association junction-MTN Head Office on Liberation Road, the El Wak side park, Obra Spot, Kawkudi Park, Efua Sutherland Park, and the frontage of the Trade Fair. Unfortunately, the organizers refused these suggestions, and no agreement was reached. The police are now appealing to Democracy Hub to reconsider their stance and select one of the proposed venues to avoid further complications. They also urged the public to engage with the organizers and encourage a peaceful resolution. Security Concerns Raised Meanwhile, intelligence gathered by the police ahead of the planned demonstration has raised serious security concerns. According to the police, some demonstrators are reportedly planning to defy the court order and the directives issued by law enforcement, posing significant risks to public safety. Specific threats identified by the police include: Defying the court order and police directives in violation of the Public Order Act, 1994 (Act 491) Carrying weapons, including firearms, and wearing bulletproof vests and helmets Attacking Members of Parliament and other state officials Attacking police officers on duty Targeting critical installations, including the seat of government and electric power infrastructure Encouraging participants to arm themselves with catapults and stones Using motorbikes to cause chaos on roads, disrupting public order Storming business centers with the intent to cause mayhem The police have strongly urged the organizers to caution their members against engaging in any unlawful activities and to abide by the provisions of the Public Order Act and other national laws. Police Prepared for Any Security Situation In light of the intelligence gathered, the Ghana Police Service has assured the public that they have put in place adequate security measures to manage any potential threats that may arise during the planned demonstration. The police have reiterated their commitment to maintaining peace, law, and order, and called on the public to cooperate with law enforcement in ensuring the security of the nation. “We would like to call on the good people of this country to support the police to maintain law and order, ensure security, and preserve the peace of our beloved country,” the statement read. The situation remains tense, and the outcome of the planned protest will depend on the decisions made by Democracy Hub and their members in the coming days. The police have made it clear that any breach of the law will not be tolerated, and the organizers will be held accountable for any disruptions caused during the demonstration. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Electoral Commission of Ghana has officially cleared 13 presidential candidates to contest in the upcoming 2024 General Election. After a rigorous examination of the nomination forms submitted by the candidates between September 9 and 13, 2024, the commission has confirmed that nine political parties and four independent candidates have met the legal requirements to run for the presidency. In a statement released today, the Electoral Commission outlined the names of the qualified candidates: Candidates and their Parties/Entities: 1. Mahamudu Bawumia - New Patriotic Party (NPP) 2. John Dramani Mahama - National Democratic Congress (NDC) 3. Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen - Independent Candidate 4. Christian Kwabena Andrews - Ghana Union Movement (GUM) 5. Daniel Augustus Lartey Jnr - Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP) 6. George Twum-Barima-Adu - Independent Candidate 7. Nana Kwame Bediako - Independent Candidate 8. Akua Donkor - Ghana Freedom Party (GFP) 9. Hassan Abdulai Ayariga - All People's Congress (APC) 10. Kofi Akpaloo - Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG) 11. Mohammed Frimpong - National Democratic Party (NDP) 12. Nana Akosua Frimpomaa - Convention People's Party (CPP) 13. Kofi Koranteng - Independent Candidate The commission assures the public that the nomination process was carried out in strict adherence to the electoral laws, and all candidates have met the necessary qualifications to stand in the presidential race. The 2024 elections are expected to be highly competitive, with both major political parties and notable independent candidates vying for the presidency. Stay tuned for more updates. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith