The Ghana Police Service (GPS) has confirmed that two protesters from the recent #ReoccupyJulorbiHouse and #StopGalamseyNow demonstrations, organized by Democracy Hub, were held in custody for over 48 hours. This comes after claims from demonstrators and others that several individuals were detained longer than legally permitted before being presented to the court.
In a statement released on September 26, the police described the situation as regrettable and announced an investigation by the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB) into why the two suspects were not taken to court in the required timeframe.
“At the Police Station, Police provided the child with food and for the sake of the child, her guardian, Grace Asantewaa, was granted a Police enquiry bail and allowed to go home with the child. The Ghana Poke Service has charged Grace Asantewaa with the offence of exposing a child to danger, by bringing her to the demonstration grounds, contrary to section 71 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29),” part of the statement read.
The police also addressed rumors about other individuals allegedly arrested during the protests, specifically a 12-year-old girl, a 68-year-old woman, and a pregnant woman. They clarified that the 68-year-old was, in fact, Grace Asantewaa, a 50-year-old woman who was accompanied by her child during the demonstration. To avoid separating the child from her, the police allowed both to stay together at the station, where they provided food for the child. Grace Asantewaa was released on police enquiry bail but is facing charges for endangering her child by bringing her to the protest, in violation of section 71 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
In related news, on September 26, the Accra Circuit Court ordered Oliver Barker-Vormawor, a key figure behind the #FixTheCountry movement, along with 12 other protesters, to remain in police custody for two weeks following their arrests during protests at the 37 Roundabout. Their demonstrations focused on issues like illegal small-scale mining (galamsey) and economic mismanagement.