Remanding Democracy Hub protesters for two weeks ‘too extreme’, release them – GJA President to govt

The President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has called on the government, judiciary, and the Ghana Police Service to release the remanded protesters from the Democracy Hub group.

His appeal follows the arrest and detention of 54 demonstrators, nine of whom are in prison custody, with the rest held by the police, after a protest against illegal mining turned violent in Accra from Saturday, 21 to Sunday, 23 September 2024.

The protest, which began peacefully, escalated into clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement. Protesters were reported to have blocked roads, dismantled police barricades, obstructed traffic, and set fire to properties around the 37 Roundabout.

In response, the police detained several of the participants, sparking public debate about the treatment of protesters.

Speaking at the 28th GJA Media Awards on Saturday, September 28, Mr. Dwumfour praised the professionalism of the police during the protest but condemned the excessive actions that occurred. He expressed strong disapproval of the decision to remand the protesters for two weeks, describing it as "too extreme" and damaging to Ghana’s human rights record.

“I want to commend the Ghana Police Service for exhibiting a high level of professionalism and restraint during the recent three-day protest against galamsey by some individuals. We note some excesses and provocations that occurred during the demonstration, and the GJA condemns these excesses,” Mr. Dwumfour stated.

However, Mr. Dumfour emphasised the importance of balancing law enforcement with the protection of civil liberties, arguing that the remand of the protesters was an overreaction.

“Remanding the protesters for two weeks is too extreme and does not send positive signals when it comes to protecting human rights. As a result, we add our voice to calls on the government, police, and the judiciary to take steps to release the protesters immediately,” the GJA President added.