In a letter to the Inspector General of the Ghana Police Service, Amnesty International Ghana, has called for the immediate release of all protesters detained during the #StopGalamseyNow demonstrations on September 22nd and 23rd.
Genevieve Partington, the Country Director of Amnesty International Ghana, expressed deep concern over the reported violations of the protesters’ fundamental human rights, including their rights to freedom of assembly and expression, which are enshrined in the Ghanaian constitution.
“Amnesty International Ghana frowns upon all forms of violence and violations of all human rights,” Partington stated in the letter. “We are deeply concerned about the reported violation of these rights during these recent demonstrations.”
The organization is demanding that the police administration provides a full list of the arrested individuals, their current locations, and ensure that the detainees have access to basic necessities such as food, water, and medical care. Partington also called for an independent investigation into the arrests and any alleged use of excessive force by the police.
“Only by fostering an environment where our rights to protest are protected can we strengthen our democracy and build trust between the state and its citizens,” Partington said.
The #StopGalamseyNow protests were organized to demand that the government takes immediate action against the illegal mining, or “galamsey,” activities that have been devastating Ghana’s water bodies and causing serious health issues in affected communities.
Amnesty International Ghana has vowed to continue educating the public on their right to protest and how to do so safely, while also calling for a review of the Public Order Act 1994, which the organization believes gives the police too much power over potential demonstrators.
Below is the full statement below:
