Remanding Democracy Hub demonstrators for two weeks is an abuse of their rights - John Mahama

Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress, John Dramani Mahama, has expressed worry over the remand of the Democracy Hub demonstrators, describing it as a violation of their rights.

In a statement posted on his official X page on Thursday, September 26, 2024, he emphasised the importance of balancing the need to maintain law and order with protecting the rights of citizens.

He stated, "High-handedness! We must balance our need to maintain law and order with protecting the rights and freedoms of our citizens.

"Remanding Democracy Hub demonstrators for 2 weeks is high-handed and an abuse of their rights."

He stressed the need for the youth to engage in protests over critical issues such as illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey.

"The youth of Ghana have a right to engage in manifestations to protect their future, especially in respect of key issues like the destruction of the environment through illegal mining. Draconian judicial decisions such as this won’t stop them from speaking out," he added.

He called for an immediate review of the remand decision and urged that the demonstrators be granted bail.

"The authorities must request the judge to review the remand decision and grant them bail immediately," he noted.

On Saturday, September 21, 2024, Democracy Hub began a three-day protest to draw attention to the impact of illegal mining activities and economic mismanagement in the country.

During the protest, thirty-nine protesters were arrested by the police for allegedly committing unlawful acts.

Tensions between the police and Democracy Hub escalated on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, when the police secured an injunction from the Accra High Court to prevent the group from holding their 3-day protest at Revolution Square, located in front of the Jubilee House.

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High-handedness!

We must balance our need to maintain law and order with protecting the rights and freedoms of our citizens.

Remanding Democracy Hub demonstrators for 2 weeks is high-handed and an abuse of their rights.

The youth of Ghana have a right to engage in…

— John Dramani Mahama (@JDMahama) September 26, 2024