The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) has condemned what it terms arbitrary arrest and detention of Democracy Hub anti galamsey protesters.
There have been several calls on the Ghana Police Service for the immediate release of the remanded Democracy Hub protesters.
The demonstrators, initially engaged in peaceful protest, were involved in violent clashes with the police between September 21 and 23.
Currently, about 50 of the protesters have been detained, with nine in prison custody and the rest in police custody.
During the 28th GJA Media Awards on Saturday, September 28, the President of the GJA, Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour has also criticized the decision to remand the protesters for two weeks, calling it “too extreme” and a potential violation of human rights.
In a statement, the Coalition of CSOs called on the IGP to respond publicly to the alleged violations of human rights as a matter of urgency.
“We also call for the immediate release of all protesters who have been unjustly detained and demand adherence to due process in addressing any allegations made justly against others. We also demand an independent investigation into the policing of the protests at the weekend. We expect the courts, as one of the last bastions of democratic governance in the country, to uphold the rights of citizens as mandated by the Constitution.
“The concerned organizations listed below also call on the Government of Ghana, under the leadership of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, to act swiftly to restore confidence in the state’s commitment to protecting human rights and the right to peaceful protests. The sanctity of our democracy depends on respect for the rule of law, freedom of expression, and the rights of citizens to hold their leaders accountable. We urge the government to work with civil society to address these concerns and restore Ghana’s human rights record and democracy.”
Below is the full statement by the Coalition of CSOs
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM