“We believe the remanding of the protesters is excessive.” – President of Ghana Journalists Association
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), a prominent media organization in Ghana, has called upon the government to release individuals who were recently detained in Accra for participating in protests against illegal mining activities, commonly referred to as galamsey. GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, in a speech at the 28th GJA Media Awards ceremony held at the Accra International Conference Centre, commended the Ghana Police Service for their handling of the demonstrations. However, he expressed strong criticism towards the decision to detain the protesters for a period of two weeks, deeming it as excessively harsh and sending a negative message about the protection of human rights.”We believe the remanding of the protesters is excessive,” Dwumfour stated,
The protests, organized by the Democracy Hub, spanned three days and aimed to draw attention to the severe environmental consequences of galamsey, particularly on water bodies. The arrest of around 40 demonstrators on charges of public order violations and their subsequent remand for two weeks sparked widespread debate and raised concerns about the limits of freedom of expression and assembly in Ghana. Dwumfour emphasized the importance of upholding law and order while respecting citizens’ rights to peaceful protest and voicing their grievances.
The GJA stands in solidarity with calls for the immediate release of the detained protesters, advocating for a more balanced approach that protects both public order and fundamental rights. The incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between maintaining social order and safeguarding civil liberties in a democratic society. As Ghana continues to grapple with the challenges posed by illegal mining activities, the role of the media, civil society, and government institutions in promoting sustainable development becomes increasingly crucial.
