Democracy Hub has announced it will go ahead with its original plan to hold the #StopGalamseyNow protest at the Revolutionary Square, following a breakdown in discussions with the Ghana Police Service.
The group expressed disappointment over the Police’s refusal to provide meaningful alternatives or cooperate on viable locations for the demonstration.
At a meeting earlier today, Democracy Hub presented several concerns to the Police, including the controversial ex parte injunction that prohibits the protest from taking place between the 21st and 23rd of September.
Despite three months of engagement, the Police failed to explain why the injunction was sought without prior notice, further fueling concerns about public trust in law enforcement and the judiciary.
The group also requested a copy of the affidavit used to secure the injunction, arguing that the broad restrictions imposed violate their constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
The Police, however, according to the group refused to provide the document, leaving the group uncertain about the evidence presented to the court.
Democracy Hub also challenged the Police’s refusal to share the security assessment allegedly used to justify the protest restrictions.
The group believes that if their constitutional rights are being curtailed, clear, evidence-based reasons should be provided, rather than vague claims of risk.
The Police proposed several alternative protest locations, including Kawukudi Park, Efua Sutherland Park, and areas around El Wak Stadium.
However, Democracy Hub rejected these options, citing concerns over public safety and the relevance of the locations to the protest’s message.
In an attempt to compromise, the group proposed six alternative sites, including the 37 Roundabout and the Airport Roundabout, all of which were rejected by the Police.
Given the lack of agreement, Democracy Hub will proceed with the protest at Revolutionary Square, a location they argue is both secure and manageable.
The group reiterated its commitment to holding a peaceful protest to raise awareness about illegal mining (galamsey) and its environmental impacts, while urging the Police to respect their right to demonstrate.
