The Country Director of Amnesty International Ghana, Genevieve Partington, has called for an independent investigation into the arrests of Democracy Hub protesters following their demonstration against the illegal mining surge in Ghana.
She said even if the police claim the protesters acted unlawfully, they are still entitled to their basic human rights.
Ms Partington also emphasised the necessity of reviewing the Public Order Act of 1994 (Act 491), noting that the act has significant flaws and gives security forces, especially the police, excessive power over potential demonstrations.
Speaking at a news conference, Ms Partington said, “Our main requests are that we would like a list of all detained protesters and where they are stationed. We are also appealing that all who were unlawfully arrested be compensated according to the laws of Ghana. Then there needs to be an independent investigation into this matter that needs to be conducted, and actions taken to ensure that such injustice and inhumane treatment of citizens does not happen again.”
Meanwhile, the Center for Democratic Development CDD-Ghana is also taking on the Ghana Police Service over what they say are unlawful tactics employed by the Police in the recent arrest and detention of some 40 citizens in the #StopGalamseyNow demonstration over the weekend.
Senior Programmes Officer at CDD-Ghana Michael Augustus Akagbor expressed growing concern about how the police treat young protesters during demonstrations.
He stated that the Center for Democratic Development's position is that, over the years, Police response to young people's protests is discriminatory.
“I feel like the police go out to engage young protestors with the mindset of teaching them a lesson, and the manhandling shows that they have no regard for the rights of these citizens, of these young people who are just exercising their civil and political rights.”
Latest Stories
-
Body of Ghanaian teen who died under suspicious circumstances in Latvia returned home
6 minutes -
The Self-Defeating spiral of regulatory technology?
20 minutes -
Police launch investigation into fatal shooting of Kusasi Chief in Asawase
24 minutes -
WAFCON 2024: ‘This one really hurt’– Jennifer Cudjoe reacts to semifinal loss
28 minutes -
Former Black Queens coach Nora Häuptle was overhyped – Former GFA EXCO Member
36 minutes -
WAFCON 2024: ‘Build on this and you’ll be champions’ – Kurt tells Black Queens
1 hour -
Kelvin Taylor deserved fair hearing before arrest warrant – UGBS Lecturer
1 hour -
NRSA orders immediate removal of billboards in road medians over safety concerns
1 hour -
Duffuor Case: Accepting 60% recovery undermines justice and accountability – Sulemana Braimah
1 hour -
WAFCON 2024: Sports Minister lauds ‘courageous’ Black Queens performance against Morocco
2 hours -
Prices of some imported goods could be reduced in coming weeks – GIFF assures
2 hours -
Attorney-General to address uniBank case, asset recovery updates on Monday – Kwakye Ofosu
2 hours -
Duffuor Case: Manhyia South MP questions why State settled for only 60% recovery
2 hours -
Venus Williams, 45, becomes second oldest winner
2 hours -
WAFCON 2024: Ghana to face South Africa in third place play-off
2 hours