The Minister of Information, Fatimatu Abubakar, has criticised John Dramani Mahama for his comments describing the treatment of arrested anti-galamsey protesters by the police and the court's decision to remand them as high-handedness.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer condemned the two-week remand of Democracy Hub protesters after their arrests by the police for unlawful acts and wrongful assembly, describing the decision as “high-handed” and an “abuse of their rights.”

John Mahama further called for the protesters to be granted bail.

“High-handedness! We must balance our need to maintain law and order with protecting the rights and freedoms of our citizens. Remanding Democracy Hub demonstrators for 2 weeks is high-handed and an abuse of their rights.

“The youth of Ghana have a right to engage in manifestations to protect their future especially in respect of key issues like the destruction of the environment through illegal mining. Draconian judicial decisions such as this won’t stop them from speaking out. The authorities must request the judge to review the remand decision and grant them bail immediately,” Mahama posted on his Facebook on September 26.

In response to Mahama’s comments, Fatimatu Abubakar expressed her shock, questioning his moral right to speak against actions perceived as unconstitutional when he remained silent during his administration while women were beaten.

She also condemned the hypocritical nature of some Ghanaians who only spoke up against the police actions while remaining silent when the protesters provoked the police and engaged in unlawful acts.

“I was surprised lots of people were quiet but only found their voices after the reaction of the police and decision to prosecute but while all those unlawful acts were being committed by the protesters, they were looking the other way.

“I've seen a statement by former president John Mahama and I was so shocked and one by his running mate. I was shocked because he claimed the arrests and remand were high-handedness. Where was your wisdom when people were beaten, leading to the death of two men? You had all this wisdom but women were beaten and treated badly under your leadership as president. People even jubilated because the Let My Vote Count protesters were beaten,” she said.

Fatimatu Abubakar commended the police service for their professionalism and drew comparisons with the actions of the police under the Mahama administration, alleging that the police at that time resorted to violently brutalising protesters.

“Protesters were beaten for expressing their rights under Mahama as compared to the current administration where the police do not resort to violence and if they do, we will condemn it so that they will go back to the modus operandi where they engage in dialogue and if they think anything is happening that is untoward, they will proceed to the court.

“… even if you are accused of an offense, it’s only the court that will grant you the chance to speak on your case with evidence. Isn't that better than shooting, beating people and all the unlawful and unprofessional acts under the Mahama administration?” she quizzed.

MAG/AE