According to the lawyer handling the case of the 46 Stop Galamsey protesters who were arrested during their recent protest, nobody is more lawless than the Ghana Police Service.
He condemned the actions of the Ghana Police Service, accusing them of acting in bad faith and violating the rights of the protesters.
In an Joy News’ PM Express on Tuesday, Prince Ganaku said, “This is not about enforcing the law. It has never been about enforcing the law,” expressing frustration over how the police handled the protest stating that it sabotages the very essence of the law they claim to enforce.
He raised concerns about the police’s decision to secure an ex parte injunction just two days before the protest, despite having received notification months in advance.
“If they were acting in good faith, they would have gone to court three months ago. What they chose to do was wait, act in bad faith, and go to court two days before the protest to get an ex parte injunction”.
Mr Ganaku highlighted the tactics employed by the police, particularly in denying the protesters access to legal representation.
“The police take the protesters, drive around with them, win, turn around, and come back. You ask where the protesters are, and they don’t let you see them
He explained that some lawyers have gone to the police station to see their clients, and there’s an order from above that nobody should be allowed to see anybody criticising the police for playing a cat-and-mouse game with the legal process.
“If I should mention the institution that abuses their power in this country, you know who comes to mind? It is the Ghana Police Service. So this is not about enforcing the law because there is nobody more lawless than the Ghana Police Service”.
Mr. Ganaku believes that the arrest of the protesters and the refusal to grant them bail is an intentional act to discourage activism and silence dissenting voices.
