Ghanaians condemn ‘disruptive’ Democracy Hub protests

A section of Ghanaians have expressed widespread condemnation of the recent protest organized by Democracy Hub, which spiraled into chaos, causing significant disruptions in the capital. The protest, aimed at addressing government inaction on illegal mining, instead resulted in gridlock and vandalism, leaving many citizens frustrated and angry.

The demonstration, which began on September 21, 2024, was intended to be a peaceful assembly, but it quickly devolved into disorder when protestors defied a High Court order prohibiting them from gathering at Revolutionary Square. Instead, they gathered at the 37 Roundabout, leading to confrontations with police. Eyewitnesses reported that the situation escalated as protestors blocked key roads with stones and vehicles, creating severe traffic jams that extended for miles.

"While I sympathize with their cause, this level of disruption is unacceptable," said Mary Osei, a commuter who spent over two hours stuck in traffic. "People are trying to go about their daily lives. This protest did nothing but create chaos for ordinary Ghanaians."

In addition to the traffic chaos, protestors were seen pulling down billboards and vandalizing electoral materials, actions that have drawn sharp criticism from many quarters. "What they did was not only reckless but also damaging to the spirit of democracy," stated Prince Ganaku, a local activist who advocates for peaceful demonstrations. "You can protest without causing harm to others and their property."

Businesses in the area also reported losses due to the disruptions. "We understand the need for civic engagement, but this protest hurt our operations. We lost customers because they couldn’t reach us," lamented Kofi Boateng, a shop owner near the protest site.

The public outcry has raised questions about the tactics employed by the protest organizers and the need for accountability in future demonstrations. Ghanaians are now calling for clearer guidelines on public protests to prevent similar incidents from recurring.

There is no way I support the destruction of our water bodies by galamsey activities but when the demonstrators cause the deaths of innocent people with such hard-hearted utterances and actions, they must be punished. Now they claim they did nothing wrong. Shame on them! pic.twitter.com/HdQXUGumJZ

— Samuel Koku Anyidoho🇬🇭 (@KokuAnyidoho) September 25, 2024

#ProsecuteUnlawfulProtestorsNow pic.twitter.com/BGW9WzpBcl

— 𝐒𝐢𝐫-𝐎𝐛𝐚𝐦𝐚 𝐏𝐨𝐤𝐮𝐚𝐬𝐞 (@dtadomako) September 25, 2024

Oliver Barker-Vormawor, one of the convenors of the Democracy Hub street protest, seen removing a key from a police vehicle and throwing it away.

Police confirm arrests of protesters at 37 Intersection https://t.co/PsHsmb9xrehttps://t.co/H1QYpk7wlF pic.twitter.com/45nTetrxxB

— DailyGraphic GraphicOnline (@Graphicgh) September 22, 2024

Osagyefo Oliver Barker-Vormawor has received excessive tolerance from the Ghana Police Service ! pic.twitter.com/jFWZlwth0V

— Boamah Darko Isaac (@BoamahI) September 22, 2024