Anti-galamsey protestors in prison custody not an order from me –Akufo-Addo

President Akufo-Addo has addressed concerns about the detention of 53 anti-Galamsey protesters and denied accusations that the government is suppressing dissent. In an interview with France24, he emphasized the importance of peaceful protests in a democratic society.

The case of the Democracy Hub Protestors is being handled by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, who have been criticized for holding some protesters beyond the legal time limit before taking them to court. Legal experts argue that the charges against the protesters are minor and they could have been granted bail immediately.

Critics believe that the government is using legal processes to punish the demonstrators, who have taken legal action against the state. President Akufo-Addo clarified that he does not have the authority to jail individuals in Ghana, as the courts are independent institutions.

He encouraged peaceful demonstrations and called for collaboration between protesters and authorities to address the issue of illegal mining that is causing harm to water bodies and forests. Despite his own history of leading protests, President Akufo-Addo reiterated his support for the right to protest and emphasized that freedom of speech is respected in Ghana.