In a recent development, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), has issued a fervent appeal to the Akufo-Addo government, the judiciary, and the Ghana Police Service for the release of the remanded protesters belonging to the Democracy Hub group.
The protest, which initially began as a peaceful demonstration, took a violent turn between September 21-23, resulting in clashes between the demonstrators and the police. The situation escalated as the protesters blocked roads, dismantled police barriers, obstructed traffic, and set fire to properties at Accra’s 37 Roundabout. Presently, 54 protesters are in custody, with 9 held in prison and the remainder in police custody.
President Dwumfour commended the Ghana Police Service for their display of professionalism during the recent demonstration. However, he also expressed condemnation for the excessive actions that transpired. He voiced strong disapproval of the decision to remand the protesters for a two-week period, labeling it as "too extreme" and emphasizing its adverse implications for human rights protection.
Specifically, Dwumfour highlighted that such a move sends an unfavorable message regarding Ghana’s commitment to upholding human rights. He called for a more balanced approach that upholds the law while respecting the rights of citizens.
These sentiments were shared by President Dwumfour during the 28th GJA Media Awards held in Accra on Saturday, September 28.
The protest, originally intended to be peaceful, turned violent when clashes erupted between some demonstrators and the police from Saturday, September 21 to Monday, September 23. The Ghana Police Service accused the protesters of various infractions including blocking roads, dismantling police barriers, obstructing traffic, and setting fire to properties during their demonstration at the 37 Roundabout in Accra.
As it stands, 53 protesters have been remanded, with 9 in prison custody and the remaining individuals in police custody. The prosecution has refuted claims of mistreatment of the accused while in custody, asserting that they are receiving proper care.
During the bail hearing, defense lawyers advocated for their clients’ release, citing various conditions. However, the prosecution countered these arguments by stating that the accused are being adequately cared for, even receiving meals from a popular local restaurant. This claim sparked outrage from the defense. The prosecution also opposed bail, expressing concerns about the unknown addresses of some of the accused. After considering the arguments presented, the judge denied the bail applications and remanded the protesters into custody until October 8.
Following the court proceedings, the remanded protesters expressed their dissatisfaction by singing patriotic songs. This reaction came after Oliver Barker-Vormawor and 12 other Democracy Hub members were remanded in police custody for two weeks, awaiting their next court appearance on October 8.
-source citinewsroom | curated byTetteh Belinda | Mydailyreports24
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