The vice-presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has strongly condemned the arrest of members of the Democracy Hub group who were protesting against illegal mining (galamsey) in Ghana.

She described the protesters as innocent citizens exercising their democratic rights and called on the government to swiftly release those in custody.

During her campaign tour in Bogoso in the Western Region, Prof Opoku-Agyemang expressed her displeasure at the treatment of the 42 young protesters who were detained by the police at the 37 Lorry Station near the Revolutionary Square.

The police had labelled the gathering as an "unlawful assembly," leading to their arrest.

Speaking to journalists, Prof Opoku-Agyemang urged the government to stop harassing citizens who were lawfully advocating a better future, and instead focus on the influential figures responsible for illegal mining operations.

"The government should go after the 'big people' sitting in air-conditioned offices in Accra, who are the real masterminds behind galamsey activities, rather than targeting innocent young people," she remarked.

James Agyenim-Boateng, the spokesperson for Prof Opoku-Agyemang, further shared her concerns about the treatment of the detained protesters.

He revealed that some of the protesters, including pregnant women, have been denied access to basic necessities like food and water, and have not been allowed to see their families or lawyers.

Prof Opoku-Agyemang has called for their immediate release, emphasising that their rights to peaceful protest and legal representation must be respected.