The Women’s Wing of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed its deep concerns about the Ghana Police Service’s handling of a pregnant demonstrator, identified as Vera, who was arrested during the Democracy Hub protest.
In a statement issued on September 25, 2024, the group condemned the police for what they called the “wrongful detention” of the expectant woman, citing broader failures in the justice system, particularly when it comes to protecting vulnerable groups like pregnant women.
The NDC’s Women’s Wing reported that Vera, along with other demonstrators, was deprived of basic necessities, including food and water, for 48 hours while in police custody. They called this treatment both “unacceptable” and unconstitutional, stressing, “We emphatically condemn this inhumane treatment and regard it as a violation of fundamental human rights.”
Referring to Clause 2 of Article 15 in Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, the group highlighted that the actions of the police contradicted the law, as it guarantees that “No person shall be subjected to torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.”
The statement further criticized the Ghana Police Service for its lack of adherence to human rights protocols, particularly when dealing with vulnerable individuals. Describing the incident as a “grave breach” of law, the group stated, “This casts a shadow on Ghana’s commitment to upholding the rights of all its citizens, regardless of circumstance.”
Calling for immediate accountability, the Women’s Wing demanded a thorough and independent investigation into the arrest and detention of Vera and the other protesters. They warned, “We will not tolerate a justice system that fails to protect and respect the rights of individuals, particularly women, in distressing circumstances.”
The NDC Women’s Wing also called on civil society, women’s rights groups, and human rights activists to unite in speaking against such abuses of power by law enforcement. “The rights of all citizens must be protected, and any abuse of power by law enforcement must be met with decisive action,” the statement urged.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Mary Asantewaa Buabeng
