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President Akufo-Addo has defended the government’s actions regarding the detention of 53 anti-galamsey protesters, amid growing calls for their release. Speaking in an interview with France24 on October 4, 2024, the President emphasized that peaceful protest is a fundamental aspect of democracy, but he rejected claims that the government is suppressing dissent.
The protesters, from the Democracy Hub, were arrested by the police and held beyond the 48-hour legal limit before being brought to court. The Attorney General’s office is prosecuting the case, which has sparked debate about the harsh treatment of the demonstrators, who were protesting against illegal mining (galamsey) that is causing environmental damage.
Legal experts argue that the charges against the protesters are misdemeanors, and they should have been granted bail immediately after their arrest, rather than being detained for extended periods. Despite the controversy, President Akufo-Addo suggested that the protesters’ actions led to their situation.
