The Accra High Court has granted bail to nine protesters from Democracy Hub, who were arrested following the #StopGalamsey and #ReOccupyJulorbiHouse demonstrations on September 21, 2024.
The court set the bail amount at 70,000 GHC for each individual, with the condition that they report to the police once a week.
The protesters granted bail include Ama Governor, Emmanuel Gyan, Emmanuel Kwabena Addo, Ziblim Yakubu, Oheneba Prempeh, Philip Owusu Kobina, Akisibik Desmond, Von Coffie, and Sadik Yakubu. These individuals were detained for their participation in protests against illegal mining and government inaction on environmental degradation.
While the bail application was successful, the State Prosecutors opposed the decision, signalling that the charges against the protesters remain active.
The protesters had previously been denied bail in earlier hearings, resulting in a prolonged period of remand.
Democracy Hub, in a statement following the court’s decision, expressed relief but reiterated concerns over what they described as unlawful arrests and human rights violations during the detention of the protesters.
The group had been vocal about the treatment of the activists while in police custody, and continues to demand that all charges be dropped.
“We welcome the granting of bail, but we cannot ignore the injustices our members have faced. Their fight is for the protection of our environment and democracy, and they should never have been subjected to such treatment,” the statement read.
The organization pledged to continue monitoring the legal proceedings and called for continued publicc support as the case progressed.