Amnesty International has voiced serious concerns regarding the police’s handling of recent protests organized by the Democracy Hub, particularly following the arrest and detention of demonstrators in Accra.
Speaking on Starr Midday News with Naa Dedei Tettey, Genevieve Partington, the Country Director for Amnesty International Ghana, stressed the urgent need for changes to the Public Order Act to safeguard the rights of protesters.
Madam Partington conveyed her disappointment, stating, “It is quite unfortunate what is happening. The group informed the police about their planned protest, yet once they proceeded without accepting the proposed alternative routes, many were arrested, including passers-by.” Reports indicate that those detained faced significant hardships, including lack of access to food, water, and legal assistance. “Some were held without being granted phone calls to inform family members of their whereabouts,” she noted.
The ongoing challenges related to protest rights in Ghana are exacerbated by gaps in the Public Order Act. At present, there is no defined timeline for police responses to protest notifications, which means they can reply as late as 24 hours before an event. “This presents significant challenges for organizers and undermines the right to peaceful assembly,” Madam Partington explained.
Additionally, the penalties outlined in the Public Order Act are harsh, with potential fines reaching two million Ghanaian cedis or imprisonment for up to one year. “With the current situation, detained protesters could face even longer sentences,” she cautioned.
As protests emerge in response to ongoing issues like corruption and power outages, Madam Partington urged the government to tackle the root causes of public dissatisfaction. “Unless the government takes meaningful action, this cycle of protests will continue,” she asserted. Amnesty International is also working to educate the public on safe protest practices, seeking to empower citizens to assert their rights peacefully and legally.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Mary Asantewaa Buabeng
