Crime is a crime; once you commit it you must be arrested – Archbishop Adonteng Boateng on detained protesters

Ghanaian-American Archbishop, Kofi Adonteng Boateng has condemned the actions of Democracy Hub protesters who allegedly vandalized public property during their protest aimed at clamping down on illegal mining, also known as galamsey.

According to the head pastor of Divine Power House and the General Overseer of Divine Word International Ministries, while he supports the right of people to demonstrate and voice their opinions, he is against any actions that break the law.

The archbishop, who had been away from the country for a while, arrived at Kotoka International Airport on Monday, October 7, 2024, on a mission to help groom ministers of God in the country.

The preacher cum philanthropist also stated that the issue of galamsey should not be attributed solely to the ruling government but should be a collective effort.

“Ghana is a democratic society, so it is good to voice your opinions, but I am not in favour of people demonstrating and committing crimes and breaking signboards. What is illegal is illegal, but people have the right to protest if they are not comfortable with the way the country is being ruled.

“However, I am not happy with the way some of the protesters are committing crimes. Once you commit a crime, you have to be arrested, but on the other hand, for those who are innocent, it is our prayer that the police give them the peace they deserve,” he stated.

He continued, “You see, illegal mining should not be targeted at the NPP alone; it is an issue for the entire society, including both the NPP and NDC. It is my prayer that the leadership joins forces to fight it,” he added.

AM/KA

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