Director of Legal Affairs for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, has accused President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of dishonesty regarding the arrest and prosecution of Democracy Hub protesters. Tameklo insists that the Executive cannot distance itself from the matter, as the Attorney-General, a presidential appointee, is responsible for prosecuting the demonstrators.
Tameklo’s remarks were in response to President Akufo-Addo’s claim that the executive arm of government has no role in the arrest or legal proceedings against the protesters. He challenged this assertion, highlighting the involvement of key officials who are directly appointed by the president.
“The level of dishonesty is terrible,” Tameklo said during a TV3 interview on October 7. He further claimed, “The person who is in court prosecuting these protesters is an appointee of Akufo-Addo, the person who arrested these protesters is the IGP appointed by Akufo-Addo.” Tameklo criticized the president for ignoring local media and addressing international outlets, accusing him of evading local scrutiny.
President Denies Executive Influence
President Akufo-Addo, during an interview with France 24, expressed his view that the government had no involvement in the protesters’ arrest, stressing that their behaviour during the demonstration was the reason for their legal troubles. He emphasized his support for citizens’ right to protest, recalling his own political career, which was built on activism.
“How can a president who himself, his political career was aided by leading protests, have problems with protests?” Akufo-Addo said. He reiterated that the Executive has not interfered with citizens’ rights to express their views.
Protesters’ Legal Struggles Continue
The Democracy Hub protesters, who were arrested during their demonstration on September 22, have pleaded not guilty to charges including conspiracy, unlawful assembly, and assault on a public officer. They are set to reappear in court on October 8. Their protests were primarily focused on demanding action from the government to address the illegal mining (galamsey) crisis that continues to pollute the country’s water bodies.
Despite President Akufo-Addo’s insistence on the independence of the judiciary, Tameklo remains adamant that the government cannot wash its hands of the case, pointing to the involvement of state institutions led by the president’s appointees.
The protesters’ detention has sparked further unrest, with groups like the Coalition of Citizens Against Galamsey organizing their own protests to demand their release and an end to galamsey activities. On October 3, they submitted petitions to the Attorney-General and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.