Human Rights Reporters Ghana condemns unlawful arrests of peaceful protesters by Police

Human Rights Reporters Ghana has issued a strong condemnation of the Ghana Police Service following the arrest and detention of approximately 40 citizens during a peaceful protest on September 21, 2024.

The demonstrators gathered to voice their concerns over pressing national issues, including state capture, rampant corruption, and the damaging effects of illegal small-scale mining, known locally as galamsey, on the country's water bodies.

The arrests, which included not only protesters but also ordinary bystanders, have raised alarms about the disregard for basic human rights by law enforcement.

Human Rights Reporters Ghana highlights that this indiscriminate action violates the rights of individuals simply going about their daily lives.

The organization expressed particular concern regarding the police's continued use of unlawful tactics and excessive force, especially against young individuals participating in protests.

"Such actions are not only unethical but also represent a clear violation of the fundamental human rights enshrined in the 1992 Constitution of Ghana," the statement read, pointing to specific infringements of Article 14, which protects the right to personal liberty, and Article 21, which safeguards the right to freedom of assembly.

The group condemned the police's approach to suppressing peaceful demonstrations, asserting that these actions undermine citizens' rights to freely express their grievances and assemble peacefully.

They described the police's heavy-handed methods as a gross abuse of power and a flagrant disregard for the rule of law.

Human Rights Reporters Ghana is demanding an immediate cessation of these illegal practices by the police and calling for a thorough investigation into the incidents, holding accountable those responsible for the unlawful actions.

The organization reiterated that law enforcement should defend and uphold the rights of all citizens.

In a show of solidarity with the affected individuals, Human Rights Reporters Ghana urged citizens to remain vigilant in defending their rights.

They also called on civil society, legal practitioners, and human rights advocates to join forces in condemning these abuses and to ensure accountability and justice for the victims of police misconduct.