Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has emphasized the need for accountability in enforcing the law, stating that individuals who break the law, regardless of their intentions, must face consequences. His comments come in the wake of a protest led by Oliver Barker-Vormawor, where the activist removed the keys from a police towing vehicle during a demonstration organized by Democracy Hub.
Speaking in an interview on Angel FM on October 10, 2024, Kufuor stressed that while the right to protest is a fundamental part of democracy, such actions must not lead to chaos or undermine law enforcement. “If you attack a police officer or take away their car key, you must face the law or be punished. We can’t let them go scot-free,” Kufuor stated, according to reports by 3news.com.
The incident occurred during a three-day protest aimed at raising awareness about the devastating impact of illegal mining, or galamsey, in Ghana. Barker-Vormawor, one of the organizers, defended his actions by claiming that removing the keys was meant to prevent the vehicle from injuring protesters. However, his actions led to his arrest, and he has since been denied bail on three occasions due to legal considerations.
Kufuor’s remarks highlight the balance between the right to protest and the importance of respecting the rule of law. He emphasized that while activism is essential, it must be carried out within the bounds of the law to avoid descending into disorder.
