Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame has urged the swift conclusion of investigations into the cases involving protesters from the recent Democracy Hub demonstration, emphasizing the need for swift justice, including discharging those proven innocent.
Fifty-three protesters, including leading members of Democracy Hub, Oliver Barker Vormawor and Felicity Nelson, were arrested for allegedly causing public mayhem and obstructing the free movement of road users during the three-day protests held from September 21 to 23 at the 37 Military Hospital roundabout.
The protesters took to the streets to voice their concerns against illegal mining, also known as galamsey. Since their arrest, they have faced charges including unlawful assembly, offensive conduct, and assault of a public officer, leading to their remand in police and prison custody.
The denial of bail for all the protesters sparked public outcry, with many expressing their displeasure through the social media campaign #FreeTheCitizens. Addressing judges and magistrates during their Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, October 2, Mr. Dame acknowledged the legitimacy of some of the protesters’ concerns but maintained that protests should not infringe upon the rights of others or threaten the safety of police officers.
“I urge the Police Service to swiftly conclude investigations by the next adjourned dates of the cases involving the prosecution of excesses from recent protests in Accra, to exclude by that date, all those against whom sufficient evidence cannot be found to proceed further,” he stated.
Additionally, the Attorney-General advised the prosecution to consider bail applications for the demonstrators at the next adjourned court sessions.
