Activist group Democracy Hub has expressed satisfaction with the Attorney General’s decision to enter a nolle prosequi in the case against its convenors and members, who were arrested during a protest against illegal mining (galamsey).
However, the group insists that this legal outcome does not erase the injustices suffered by demonstrators and is calling for an independent inquiry into alleged human rights abuses during the crackdown.
In a statement following the decision, Democracy Hub reaffirmed that the protest was a lawful exercise of constitutional rights.
“While this decision affirms what we have always known that our protest against galamsey was a legitimate exercise of our constitutional rights it does not erase the injustices and human rights abuses we endured at the hands of the state,” the statement read.
The group cited incidents of violent police action, illegal arrests, and inhumane detention conditions as serious violations that must not be overlooked. It is demanding accountability for those responsible within the Ghana Police Service, National Security, and other state agencies involved in the crackdown.
Democracy Hub also extended gratitude to its legal representatives, the Lawyers for Protest Defence, for their efforts in ensuring justice for the detained activists. Additionally, the group acknowledged the solidarity of allied organizations, including Afrikki, the Economic Fighters League, and the #FreeTheCitizens movement.
“The fight against galamsey is far from over, and neither is the struggle to defend the fundamental rights of all Ghanaians,” the statement concluded. Democracy Hub reaffirmed its commitment to environmental protection, democratic freedoms, and ensuring that no Ghanaian is ever penalized for demanding justice.
Despite the Attorney General’s decision to drop the case, the group maintains that a thorough and impartial investigation into the treatment of protestors remains necessary.
