Democracy Hub, the organizers of the three-day protest against the government’s alleged mismanagement and complicity in the destruction caused by illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, has reported that over 40 arrested protesters have been relocated to the Police Headquarters in Osu.
The convener of the protest, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, along with more than 40 others, was arrested for their alleged involvement in acts of lawlessness during the demonstration.
In response to concerns about the detainees, a search was conducted through various police stations to ascertain the total number of individuals in custody, following reports that some were being held and mistreated in different locations across the Greater Accra region.
Prince Ganaku, a member of Democracy Hub’s legal team, revealed in an interview on Eyewitness News on Citi FM on Monday that legal representatives were instructed to search the streets of Accra for those detained.
An update from Democracy Hub on Tuesday confirmed that information gathered indicated the protesters had been moved from multiple police stations to the Police Headquarters in Osu.
Below is the full update.
Press Release: Urgent Update on Detained Protesters
For Immediate Release
September 24, 2024
Democracy Hub Raises Alarm Over Treatment of Detained Protesters
Democracy Hub has received alarming information regarding the status of protesters detained during recent #StopGalamseyNow demonstrations. We are compelled to share the following urgent update with the press and public:
Relocation of Detainees: As of 10:00 AM this morning, we have learned that protesters who were forcibly taken into custody by the Ghana Police Service have been moved from various stations to the Police Headquarters in Osu.
Inhumane Treatment: The detained individuals have been separated into groups of 10 and placed in buses. They are currently being held without any official communication regarding the reasons for their arrest.
Denial of Legal Representation: Most alarmingly, these citizens are being denied access to their legal representatives, a clear violation of their fundamental rights.
Call to Media: We urgently call upon all media outlets to dispatch reporters to the National Police Headquarters immediately. Given the track record of police impunity and the apparent complicity of the state’s justice system, we cannot trust that the rights and safety of these individuals will be respected without public scrutiny.
Grave Concerns: This situation underscores our deep-seated concerns about the abuse of power by law enforcement and the erosion of citizens’ rights to peaceful protest and due process.
Democracy Hub reiterates its commitment to transparency, justice, and the protection of civil liberties. We stand firm in our demand for the immediate release of all detained protesters and full accountability for these actions.
We implore the media to act swiftly in covering this developing situation. The eyes of the nation must be on the Police Headquarters to ensure the safety and rights of our fellow citizens are upheld.
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