Attorney General and Minister of Justice Godfred Yeboah Dame has justified the prosecution of the Democracy Hub demonstrators.
At the Association of Magistrates and Judges of Ghana (AMJG) annual conference in Accra on Tuesday, he made the statement that no democracy tolerated acts of violence or tension. The conference was focused on the topic of “Improving the Security and the Welfare of the Judiciary for Effective Justice Delivery.”
Thus, he warned that demonstrators would face the full force of the law if they went beyond the bounds of free speech and ignored their own and others’ safety.
“Respectfully, an unhealthy cycle in the life of the nation is occurring again. The drumbeats of violence, mayhem, incitement to violence and civil disobedience are being beaten and indeed, have gone a notch higher.
“There are attempts to create tension ahead of the elections and instil fear into people through demonstrations which, in some cases, are a ruse for mounting an attack on the security forces of our nation and disrupting the running of essential public services.”
“This, with the greatest respect, is not countenanced in any democracy. In any advanced democracy, when protesters exceed the limits of free expression and show disregard for their communities and the safety of their own lives and that of other members of the community (irrespective of the motives for the protests embarked on), they face the rigours of the law,” he stated.
Background
A peaceful protest turned violent between September 21-23 when demonstrators clashed with police. The GPS accused protesters of blocking roads, dismantling barriers, obstructing traffic, and burning properties at Accra’s 37 Roundabout. Currently, 53 protesters are remanded; 9 are in prison and the rest are in police custody.
The prosecution denies mistreating the accused, insisting they received proper care. During the bail hearing, defence lawyers sought release, citing harsh conditions.
However, prosecutors countered that the accused received adequate food, including meals from the popular local restaurant Papaye. This sparked defence outrage.
Prosecutors opposed bail, citing concerns over unknown addresses. The judge denied bail applications, remanding protesters until October 8.
Following court proceedings, remanded protesters expressed dissatisfaction by singing patriotic songs.
