Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, the Vice-Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has expressed deep concern about the high-handed treatment directed at peaceful protesters.
According to Prof. Opoku-Agyemang, the reports of manhandling, arrests, starvation, and denial of access to family and legal counsel by the police are alarming.
She indicated that this includes the subsequent remand of the protesters, which notably involves a pregnant woman, by an Accra Circuit Court.
“That the response of the authorities is brutal and high-handed raises questions about the government’s commitment to its so-called fight against illegal mining and the destruction of Ghana’s waterbodies, forest and farmlands”.
Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang
As such, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang noted that she expects the authorities to redirect their clampdown on the protesters toward a genuine fight against illegal mining.
She emphasized that illegal mining has far-reaching harmful effects, particularly on water bodies, which are crucial for both environmental sustainability and community health.
Additionally, she highlighted the negative impact of these activities on the health of the people living in affected areas, who face increased risks of waterborne diseases and other health issues linked to pollution.
Moreover, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang pointed out that illegal mining contributes to the destruction of cocoa farms, which are vital not only for the local economy but also for the livelihoods of many families.
According to the NDC running mate, the degradation of these agricultural lands poses serious implications for food security, threatening the availability of essential food sources for communities reliant on farming.
Accordingly, she urged the government to prioritize these pressing issues rather than suppressing peaceful protests.
She advocated for a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of the crisis while respecting citizens’ rights to voice their concerns.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang Advocates for Protest Rights
Furthermore, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang urged the government to desist from suppressing the right of Ghanaians to protest, emphasizing that such rights are fundamental to the principles of human dignity and democracy.
She highlighted that the ability to protest is a crucial aspect of civic engagement, allowing citizens to express their grievances, advocate for change, and hold authorities accountable.
“It is incongruous that those actively behind illegal mining are freely walking about and smiling all the way to the bank while protesters who are concerned about the harmful impact of illegal mining are rather being suppressed”.
“These feudal, authoritarian, and early-century reactions by the government to a peaceful protest have no place in a 21st-century democracy”.
Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang stated that the government must, therefore, immediately end the persecution of the protesters and unconditionally release those currently in custody.
She emphasized that continuing to detain individuals who are simply exercising their right to protest not only violates their human rights but also erodes public trust in the government’s commitment to democratic principles.
In addition, she highlighted that the government should take a cue from the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s pledge to address the challenges associated with illegal mining through constructive means.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang indicated that this includes implementing programs to properly train illegal miners, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to engage in responsible mining practices.
She stated that by offering expert mining advisory services and assigning qualified mining engineers to their operations, the government can ensure that miners minimize adverse impacts on vital resources like water bodies, forest reserves, and the environment.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang stressed that such proactive measures would not only support the livelihoods of those involved in mining but also contribute to sustainable environmental management.
She indicated that through a collaborative approach that prioritizes responsible mining, the government can strike a balance between economic development and environmental preservation, ultimately benefiting both local communities and the nation as a whole.
READ ALSO: Biden Announces Surge In Security Assistance For Ukraine
