Democracy Hub rejects the closure of the ‘galamsey’ protest case and calls for an investigation
The activist group Democracy Hub has voiced approval of the Attorney General’s decision to enter a nolle prosequi in the case against its convenors and members, who were arrested during a protest against illegal mining (galamsey).
Despite this legal outcome, the group maintains that it does not erase the injustices faced by the demonstrators. They are calling for an independent inquiry into the alleged human rights violations during the crackdown.
In a statement issued after the decision, Democracy Hub reiterated that the protest was a legitimate exercise of constitutional rights.
“While this decision affirms what we have always known that our protest against galamsey was a legitimate exercise of our constitutional rights it does not erase the injustices and human rights abuses we endured at the hands of the state,” the statement read.
The group highlighted incidents of violent police actions, unlawful arrests, and harsh detention conditions as grave violations that cannot be ignored. They are calling for accountability from those responsible within the Ghana Police Service, National Security, and other state agencies involved in the crackdown.
Democracy Hub also expressed its gratitude to its legal team, Lawyers for Protest Defence, for their dedication in securing justice for the detained activists. The group further acknowledged the support from allied organizations, including Afrikki, the Economic Fighters League, and the #FreeTheCitizens movement.
“The fight against galamsey is far from over, and neither is the struggle to defend the fundamental rights of all Ghanaians,” the statement concluded.
Democracy Hub reiterated its dedication to environmental protection, democratic freedoms, and ensuring that no Ghanaian faces punishment for standing up for justice.
Even though the Attorney General has chosen to drop the case, the group insists that a comprehensive and unbiased investigation into the treatment of protesters is still essential.
