A Private Legal Practitioner, Martin Luther Kpebu, has criticized the arrests of participants in the Democracy Hub anti-galamsey protests, stating that such actions would be unimaginable in a serious country.
He emphasized that when the environment is under threat due to pollution and the destruction of forests, citizens have no better way to voice their concerns than through protests.
Mr Kpebu argued that the police’s claim that protesters were arrested for blocking roads is merely an excuse to divert attention from the critical issue of galamsey.
In an appearance on TV3’s KeyPoints on September 28, 2024, he urged the Ghana Police Service to instead target individuals like Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party, who is known to be involved in illegal mining activities.
He expressed his discontent over the fact that those behind illegal mining continue to evade justice while peaceful demonstrators advocating for environmental protection face arrest and detention beyond 48 hours.
“In any serious country, these protestors wouldn’t have been arrested because what they did is called publicity stunt. They were doing that to bring the attention of the leaders to the issue,” he said.
Previously, Mr. Kpebu demanded the resignation of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) due to the treatment of suspects in the anti-galamsey protests.
During an appearance on Ghana Tonight on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, the prominent lawyer pointed out that the state properties for which the police accused the protesters of destruction are not more valuable than human lives.
He criticized the two-week remand, especially given the Supreme Court’s ruling that all offenses in the country are bailable.
“A citizen’s life is more precious than the properties that are alleged to have been destroyed etc, so we are not punishing citizens when they have not been put to trial. The police don’t need them in custody for two weeks,” he stated.
“That’s why I’m saying IGP has to go, he and Madam Andoh-Kwofie. We reported Akonta mining why didn’t they prosecute that case?” he asked, adding that a prosecution of the case would have had a serious effect on the fight against galamsey by serving as a deterrent to others.
“He failed to prosecute Wontumi and also infringed on the rights of the demonstrators. He abused the rights of these citizens who were demonstrating,” Mr. Kpebu added.
An Accra Circuit Court has ordered the remand of prominent members of Democracy Hub, including Oliver Barker-Vormawor, Felicity Nelson, and 11 others, into police custody for two weeks.
The protesters, who pleaded not guilty, had their lawyers file for bail. Oliver Barker-Vormawor faces eight charges, including offensive conduct and stealing, while the other 12 members are charged with six offenses each.
Judge Kwabena Obiri Yeboah, presiding over the case, directed the police to ensure the protesters are fed after reports emerged that they had been deprived of food for about three days.
Oliver Barker-Vormawor, who missed his initial court appearance due to health issues, appeared at the circuit court limping and in a frail condition. His lawyer, Dr. Justice Srem Sai, claimed in court that the police had neglected his client’s medical needs, resulting in his collapse while in custody.
In response to the protest’s violence, the police have refuted claims of using force during the Democracy Hub demonstration, despite facing provocations.
They reported that 54 individuals were arrested during the event, all of whom have been processed through the court in accordance with legal protocols.