NDC condemns 'despotic' treatment of Democracy Hub protesters

Accra, Ghana - The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has strongly denounced the Accra Circuit Court's decision to remand 28 Democracy Hub protesters into police custody and 11 others into prison custody.

The protesters, who were demonstrating against the devastating effects of illegal mining on Ghana's environment, were charged with conspiracy to commit a crime, specifically unlawful assembly.

In a statement released on September 25, the NDC's National Communications Officer condemned the Ghana Police Service's "high-handedness" and accused the governing Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government of "despotic behavior".

The NDC views this action as a grave abuse of power, highlighting the brutal treatment of innocent civilians and undue force used by the police.

The party expressed concern over reports of denied access to the arrested protesters, who have been deprived of basic necessities like food and water. This, the NDC believes, further underscores the unjust treatment of the demonstrators.

The NDC criticized the Accra Circuit Court's decision, pointing out that the protesters' offenses were classified as misdemeanors. The party reiterated that the right to protest is a fundamental human right and should not be obstructed by excessive police and judicial actions.

Furthermore, the NDC accused the government of misusing police resources to suppress protests while failing to address the illegal mining crisis. The party asserts that government officials and ruling party functionaries involved in illegal mining are the real criminals and should face prosecution instead.

"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," the September 25 release read.

"Mr President, citizens who are merely demanding a stop to the Galamsey menace, in respect of which, you promised to put your 'Presidency on the line', must not become targets of such brazen misuse of power by your government. If you have any conscience left in you, you must immediately instruct your Attorney-General to enter nolle prosequi in respect of the prosecution of these protesters," it added.

The NDC has called on President Nana Akufo-Addo to uphold his earlier promise to tackle illegal mining. The cases of the protesters have been adjourned to October 8 and 11.

Find the full statement in the link below 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/12UTIgGwIVPWyDOAhGeE6SqF8UxsJyMm-/view?usp=sharing

Source :Lead News Online