Amnesty International (AI) Ghana has called for a comprehensive independent investigation into the alleged police misconduct involving the manhandling of protesters arrested during the recent Democracy Hub demonstration against illegal mining, known as galamsey.
Genevieve Partington, the Country Director of Amnesty International Ghana, expressed concerns that the ongoing abuse of citizens during protests could exacerbate the already shrinking civic space.
She warned that this trend poses significant risks before, during, and after the upcoming general elections.
“We are requesting a list of all detained protesters and where they are stationed so we can be granted access to them, so they receive the necessary care and basic human rights. We are also appealing that all who were unlawfully arrested be compensated according to the law of Ghana.”
“We are requesting that an independent investigation on this matter be immediately conducted and actions taken to ensure that such injustice and inhumane treatment to citizens of the Republic of Ghana does not happen again”.
Genevieve Partington
Genevieve Partington further called for a thorough review of the laws governing protests in the country to safeguard citizens’ rights.
She emphasized that current regulations may not adequately protect the rights to free expression and assembly, which are fundamental in a democratic society.
Partington urged lawmakers to consider reforms that prioritize the protection of these rights while ensuring public safety.
Meanwhile, the latest developments have increased the total number of remanded protesters to 53, all of whom were arrested during demonstrations that occurred between September 21 and 23.
As such, Partington asserted that it is crucial for the government to take these issues seriously and prioritize the maintenance of law and order as the nation approaches the December elections.
She emphasized that ensuring the safety and rights of citizens during this critical period is essential for upholding democratic principles.
Partington urged the government to adopt proactive measures that not only prevent further violence but also promote a peaceful environment for political discourse.
Prof. Appiagyei-Tuah Affirmed Legal Right to Protest
Furthermore, Prof. Kwadwo Appiagyei-Tuah, a lecturer at the University of Ghana’s School of Law, affirmed that the participants in the Democracy Hub protests were exercising their legal right to protest, as guaranteed by the 1992 Constitution and the Public Order Act.
Accordingly, Prof. raised concerns about human rights violations in how the Ghana Police Service handled the protesters.
He highlighted critical issues, including the lack of clarity regarding the reasons for arrests, the transfer of protesters between prisons without notifying their families or lawyers, and the court appearances of some individuals without formal charges.
As such, he questioned what offenses could justify denying bail to the arrested protesters, emphasizing the impact on individual dignity.
“Of course, bail conditions are supposed to be directed by the court on an individual case-by-case basis so it is not that we say that everybody should be granted bail but what is the nature of the offense?
“Sometimes the nature of the offense and the circumstances surrounding it determines if a person should be granted bail or not. And if you look at the surrounding circumstances where these alleged violators were scattered at various police stations and were not allowed access by their lawyers, they constitute various violations of the rights and dignities of these demonstrators”.
Prof. Kwadwo Appiagyei-Tuah
In response to the police’s allegations that the demonstration was unlawful, Prof. Appiagyei-Tuah stated that if the police possess evidence proving the demonstrators engaged in illegal activities, they have the right to charge them and request that bail be denied.
However, he emphasized that denying some protesters access to legal representation constitutes a serious violation of their rights.
This denial undermines the fundamental principle of justice, which guarantees that every individual has the right to defend themselves and to be heard in a fair legal process.
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