The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has condemned the remand of 28 protesters of the Democracy Hub into police custody and 11 others into prison custody following a decision by the Accra Circuit Court on Tuesday, September 24, 2024.

In a statement signed by the National Communications Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, the NDC described the action as a grave abuse of power, accusing the governing Akufo-Addo-led government of despotic behaviour.

"We condemn in no uncertain terms the high-handedness of the Ghana Police Service and their evil collaborators in the despotic Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government. It is totally reprehensible for the Police to subject civilian protestors, who are merely expressing their anger against the vexed matter of illegal mining, to such barbaric and inhumane treatment," it stated.

The party expressed worry over the unjust treatments meted out to the arrested protestors, who have been deprived of basic necessities such as food and water.

"As we speak, families and lawyers of several protestors continue to complain about lack of access to their relatives and clients, some of whom have been denied basic necessities such as food and water.

"The NDC condemns in no uncertain terms the high-handedness of the Ghana Police Service and their evil collaborators in the despotic Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government. It is totally reprehensible for the Police to subject civilian protestors who are merely expressing their anger against the vexed matter of illegal mining, to such barbaric and inhumane treatment," it added.

It urged the government to channel its energies into stopping the illegal mining activities, otherwise known as galamsey.

"It is sad that instead of channelling their energies into stopping the wanton pollution and destruction of our waterbodies, lands and forest reserves, the Ghana Police Service would lend itself as a pliant tool for the suppression of protests against the failed Akufo-Addo/Bawumia NPP government," the statement added.

Democracy Hub organised a demonstration from Saturday, September 21, to Monday, September 23, 2024, over the impact of galamsey and economic mismanagement.

Despite failing to reach an agreement over the routes for the demonstration, the protestors went ahead with their intended protest on Saturday, September 22, 2024. They were subsequently arrested for allegedly committing unlawful acts.

Read the statement below



JKB/AE

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