A full-scale investigation into the manhandling and maltreatment of Democracy Hub demonstrators has been demanded by Amnesty International, Ghana.
Democracy Hub, organized a 3-day demonstration against illegal mining at the 37 intersection. The demonstration got out of hand as demonstrators burned car tires, blocked free flow or vehicular traffic and engaged in a number of alleged destructions.
Some 53 of these demonstrators have been arrested and arraigned before court. In videos circulating online, demonstrators and their families have complained of being maltreated by the police, refused their rights to visitors and lawyers, with some being deprived of food and water for days.
With 2024 December 7 elections fast approaching, Amnesty International is scared the consistent abuse of Ghanaians during demonstrations will further worsen and infringe on the rights of citizens.
The human rights organization fears that the continuous abuse of citizens during protests will further deepen the already shrinking civic space before, during, and after the upcoming general elections.
Country Director of Amnesty International Ghana, Genevieve Partington, called for a review of laws regarding protests to prevent infringement of the rights of Ghanaians.
“We are requesting a list of all detained protesters and where they are stationed so we can be granted access to them, so they receive the necessary care and basic human rights. We are also appealing that all who were unlawfully arrested be compensated according to the law of Ghana.”
