University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has called on the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice to submit a nolle prosequi to facilitate the prompt release of the protesters detained at Democracy Hub.
UTAG has expressed its worries regarding the recent arrests and the continued detention of the demonstrators from the Democracy Hub, advocating for their swift release.
“UTAG voiced serious concern over the recent arrests and ongoing detention of demonstrators from the Democracy Hub and called for their immediate release.
While UTAG condemned the arrests as violations of the protesters’ fundamental rights and freedoms, the Association acknowledged that the exercise of such rights must occur within the framework of the rule of law.
UTAG urged the Ghana Police Service to respect citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and protest, which is in line with the democratic principles that govern the nation.
UTAG also encouraged the Attorney General and Minister for Justice to file a nolle prosequi to expedite the release of the detained demonstrators,” a communiqué issued after the fourth quarter meeting for 2024 at the Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (SDD-UBIDS) said.
The meeting, organised by the National Executive Council, aimed to address several pressing issues raised by its members.
Earlier, Dr. Dominic Ayine, a former Deputy Attorney General, condemned the actions of the Democracy Hub protesters during their demonstration last week, which included alleged road blockages and confrontations with the police.
Nonetheless, he argued that such behaviour should not be grounds for denying them bail. In his view, withholding bail from the protesters constitutes a violation of their rights.
Speaking on the Key Points on TV3 on Saturday, September 28, the Bolgatanga East lawmaker said “The blocking of traffic is something that is condemnable; the attempt to engage in fisticuffs with police is something that we should condemn. Having said that, I do not think that the activities they engaged in are sufficient reasons you say they should be detained without bail.
That is where my concern is. The denial of bail in this case is tantamount to punishing them; it is tantamount to judicial abuse of the rights of the citizens
He also criticised the police for denying the suspects access to their lawyers.
“The right to counsel is a key fundamental right… they need the assistance of a legal professional to be able to understand the issues so the Police acted in abuse of their right.”
The state has brought eight charges against leading members of Democracy Hub, including offensive conduct, breach of the peace, and theft from some protesters.
An Accra Circuit Court has remanded Oliver Barker-Vormawor, Felicity Nelson, and eleven others into police custody for two weeks. Their lawyers sought bail after the group pleaded not guilty. While Barker-Vormawor faces eight charges, including offensive conduct and theft, the other twelve are charged with six offences.
Judge Kwabena Obiri Yeboah ordered the police to ensure the protesters receive food after reports emerged that they had gone without sustenance for approximately three days.
Oliver Barker-Vormawor, who missed his initial court appearance due to health issues, arrived at the circuit court appearing frail and limping. Fanny Otoo could not attend the hearing, while Barker-Vormawor’s lawyer, Dr. Justice Srem Sai, claimed that the police had neglected his client’s medical needs, resulting in his collapse while in custody.
In response to claims of police brutality during the Democracy Hub protest last weekend, law enforcement denied using excessive force, despite facing provocations. Following the unrest, police reported the arrest of 54 individuals, all of whom have been charged in accordance with legal procedures.