President Nana Akufo-Addo has denied influencing the courts to jail Ghanaian protesters who marched on the streets of Accra against illegal mining in the country .
The street protest was to highlight the global concern for the environmental degradation, health risks, and economic consequences caused by illegal mining, also known as galamsey.
53 individuals were arrested during a peaceful demonstration that took place between September 21 and 23, which turned violent after clashes with the police.
The protesters have since been behind bars for two weeks– a development that sparked series of protests lasted from Thursday to Saturday, October 5,2024.
The final day of the three-day protest echoed not only the call to stop the environmental destruction through illegal mining but also the demand for the release of the protesters arrested two weeks ago.
Reacting to the protests in an interview with France 24, President Akufo-Addo said he didn’t sanction the arrest of the young men and women.
“I’m not responsible for jailing people in Ghana,” he stated.
He explained that “the courts in Ghana are independent institutions” who took the decision to remand the protesters because they broke the laws.
According to him, Ghanaians have the right to demonstrate against anything they are unhappy about, adding that street protests “aided” his Presidential ambition thus he is not against such acts.
The Ghana Police Service (GPS) accused the protesters of blocking roads, dismantling barriers, obstructing traffic, and damaging property at Accra’s 37 Roundabout.
Out of the 53 arrested, nine are currently in prison, while the rest remain in police custody.
The prosecution has denied any mistreatment of the accused, asserting that they were properly cared for, including being provided meals from the popular restaurant Papaye.
This claim, however, sparked outrage from defense lawyers.
During a bail hearing, the defense requested the release of the protesters, citing harsh conditions in custody.
The prosecution opposed bail, citing concerns over the protesters’ unknown addresses. Consequently, the judge denied bail and remanded the protesters until October 8.
