A #StopGalamseyNow protester, has shared his experience of being arrested, alleging that his detention was unlawful and marred by violations of his rights. “I was not even picked up at the demonstration site,” he revealed, adding, “I was arrested at Vienna City on Monday the 23rd,” raising questions about the legality of the arrest.
The #StopGalamseyNow movement started as a grassroots effort to end illegal mining, or “galamsey,” in Ghana. The movement has called for tougher government action to halt the environmental destruction caused by galamsey, particularly the contamination of water bodies.
During the protest, several demonstrators were arrested amid claims of police provocation and unlawful detentions. Some protesters reported being taken into custody away from the protest site without being informed of their charges for days. Despite these arrests, the movement remains committed to pushing for stronger enforcement of anti-galamsey laws to protect Ghana’s natural resources.
Speaking on GHOne TV, he described the police’s conduct as provoking the protesters, which resulted in what he termed an “abduction” rather than a lawful arrest. “At the point of arrest, you should be told what your offense is,” he emphasized, noting that it took two to three days before any charges were disclosed to those detained.
The protester was shuffled between various police stations, including Nima and Legon, in what he believes was a violation of due process. He stated that access to a lawyer was only granted in court, saying, “That was the first time we had contact with our legal representation.”
Although he did not experience physical abuse, he confirmed instances of verbal abuse directed at him and other protesters. “Our only message was that we wanted Galamsey to end and our water bodies protected,” he said, insisting that none of the protesters were criminals.
His account has raised concerns about the treatment of protesters and the state of the justice system. “This was just to prove to the people of Ghana that indeed we do not have a justice system,” he concluded.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Mary Asantewaa Buabeng
