Democracy Hub, a prominent advocacy organization, has issued a strong condemnation of the prolonged detention of 51 activists who were arrested during the #StopGalamseyNow and #ReOccupyJulorbi House protests on September 21, 2024.
Despite being granted bail by the High Courts of Accra, these individuals remain in police custody due to what Democracy Hub describes as “deliberate inefficiency” and bureaucratic obstruction.
In a press release issued today, Democracy Hub criticized state authorities for what it sees as a pattern of governmental manipulation aimed at suppressing civic activism. The activists, who were part of protests calling for an end to illegal mining and environmental degradation, have faced unjust delays in their release, despite the courts having granted them bail.
“As of 6 pm today, the 8th of October, 2024, all 51 individuals remain in police custody due to procedural delays that reflect a deeper issue of systemic injustice.
“Despite the court granting bail in the morning, the order was only sent to the police at 2 PM the following day, significantly delaying the verification process required for their release.”
Democracy Hub
Democracy Hub also revealed that the police have yet to verify the sureties, a standard procedure for bail releases. Despite the urgency of the situation, this step remains incomplete, prolonging the activists’ detention.
Although the sureties need to be verified for the release forms to be signed, the Democracy Hub claimed the responsible officers reportedly closed their offices at 4 PM, further compounding the delay. As a result, no progress was made toward releasing the detainees.
Adding to the frustration, the personnel responsible for signing the bail bonds were reportedly stationed at court premises, leaving no one available to process the release documents. To make matters worse, Democracy Hub reported that these individuals will not be available to work tomorrow, potentially extending the timeline for release into the following week.
In a startling development, Democracy Hub has again raised concerns over the police conducting invasive and intimidating searches at the homes of those standing as sureties for the detained activists.
“This intrusion into the homes of sureties is not only an unnecessary violation of privacy but a clear intimidation tactic aimed at frustrating the successful release of our patriotic advocates,” the statement from Democracy Hub reads.
Growing Concern Over Justice in Ghana
The group stressed that the continued detention of the activists, despite a court order granting them bail, could potentially be seen as contemptuous. Democracy Hub argued that such actions undermine the powers of the court and delay the execution of its orders, raising alarm over the state of Ghana’s judicial system.
“We find this drawn-out process emblematic of how state agencies conspire to frustrate citizens and undermine their basic rights.
“The unnecessary delays highlight a broader issue of state-led harassment and bureaucratic tactics designed to suppress activism and free speech.”
Democracy Hub
Democracy Hub expressed concern over the amount of time, money, and resources being invested in what it views as an attempt by the state to make an example of peaceful protesters.
The press release concluded with a firm call for immediate action from the relevant authorities, particularly the Judiciary and the Ghana Police Service, to expedite the release of the detained activists.
Democracy Hub emphasized that this “deliberate postponement of justice” is not only a violation of the activists’ rights but also a threat to the integrity of the country’s legal system.
“Who can we, as Ghanaians, truly rely on for justice?” the press release asks, urging citizens to reflect on the future they want for their nation.
“It is time for us as a nation to reflect on the kind of future we want and to demand it boldly. We must not lose faith in the fight for a just and fair Ghana.”
Democracy Hub
Democracy Hub reiterated its commitment to defending the rights of Ghanaians, stating it will continue to challenge any efforts by the state to silence dissent or intimidate activists.
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