The Attorney-General, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has called for a swift resolution of investigations involving the 53 protesters arrested during the recent Democracy Hub demonstration.
His remarks aim to ensure that innocent individuals are released promptly.
The protesters, who demonstrated against illegal mining (galamsey) from September 21 to 23, were arrested by the police for allegedly causing public disturbances and obstructing traffic at the 37 Military Hospital roundabout.
They face charges including unlawful assembly and assault of a public officer, and have been denied bail, sparking widespread public outcry and the #FreeTheCitizens campaign on social media.
Speaking at the Annual General Meeting for judges and magistrates on October 2, Dame acknowledged the legitimacy of the protesters’ concerns but stressed that public demonstrations should not infringe on the rights of others or endanger police officers.
He urged the Police Service to complete their investigations by the next court dates, enabling the release of individuals without sufficient evidence against them.
“I urge the Police Service to swiftly conclude investigations before the next adjourned dates, so that those against whom there is insufficient evidence are released”
He also encouraged the prosecution to consider granting bail to the protesters.
” I advise the prosecution to take into account relevant bail applications at the next court hearings”
Story By: Ibrahim Nii Adjetey Quao
