General News of Sunday, 29 September 2024

Source: peacefmonline.com

Accra is not the site to demonstrate against galamsey - Prof Smart Sarpong to Democracy Hub

Prof. Smart Sarpong Prof. Smart Sarpong

Prof. Smart Sarpong, a Senior Researcher, has condemned the conduct of the Democracy Hub protesters.

The protesters, days ago, blocked the roads to 37 Military Hospital, set fire at the intersection, attacked road users, and caused further damages, according to a Police statement.

As a result, over 50 persons have been arrested and are facing prosecution.

However, the Police and the government are receiving public backlash, with some activists calling for the release of those arrested.

Joining the panel on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" show, Prof. Smart Sarpong found the protesters' attitude very uncouth and deviating from the very essence of the demonstration.

According to him, the Democracy Hub protest was politically motivated.

"If you are demonstrating against galamsey, first of all, the site is not Accra. The site cannot be 37 Military Hospital. Even if you had gone to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, there would have been a certain link, but galamsey and 37 Military Hospital don't connect," he expressed his disappointment.

He emphasized that "demonstrations are not meant for destruction or to inconvenience someone," hence the Democracy Hub protest "is politics and will continue to be politics."