Democracy Hub protesters: Please release them - Sam Korankye Ankrah pleads with gov't, IGP
Accra, Ghana - Apostle General Sam Korankye Ankrah, founder of Royal House Chapel International, has urged the government and Inspector General of Police to release on bail the Democracy Hub protestors, citing that their continued detention will only exacerbate tensions and potentially incite further violence.
During a Sunday sermon, Ankrah emphasized that imprisoning the protesters does not address the underlying issues that sparked the demonstrations against illegal mining and economic hardship.
He appealed for a peaceful approach, encouraging the youth to match their slogans and placards with constructive actions, promoting nonviolence and democratic values.
“I want to plead with the Inspector General of Police and the government, the young boys and girls who have been arrested because of the demonstration against illegal mining and against the hardship that is going on in the nation, I am pleading with the government and the court and the IGP- those young boys be released. Give them bail,” he said.
“We are advising anyone when you are going to have your democratic demonstrations, please be matching with your slogans and your placards; that's all that we want to see. We don’t want violence in this nation,” he added.
The protests, held from September 21 to 23, turned violent, resulting in clashes between demonstrators and police, leading to the arrest of 53 individuals.
Despite claims of humane treatment, defense lawyers sought bail citing harsh custody conditions, but the prosecution opposed, questioning the protesters' addresses.
The judge denied bail, remanding the protesters until October 8, prompting them to express discontent through patriotic songs.
Source: Lead News Online
