President Akufo-Addo has defended the recent arrest and detention of 53 Democracy Hub protesters, who embarked on a three-day demonstration against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey. The protesters have been remanded for two weeks in prison and police custody and are scheduled to reappear in court on October 8.
In an interview with France 24, the President distanced the Executive arm of government from the arrests, clarifying that the protesters’ conduct, not their protest, led to the situation. Akufo-Addo emphasized that it is the courts, not the presidency, that decide who gets jailed in Ghana.
“I am not responsible for jailing people in Ghana. The courts are independent institutions in this fourth republic. When people misconduct themselves, they face the courts, not the Executive. Their behaviour, not the protest itself, is what caused the problem with the police and the courts,” the President explained.
The President, who has a history of leading protests during his political career, affirmed that he supports citizens’ right to protest. He made it clear that his government is not suppressing this right in any way.
“How can a president whose political journey was shaped by protests have an issue with people protesting? I don’t. There is nothing being done in Ghana to stop anyone from expressing their views,” Akufo-Addo added.
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