Human Rights Reporters Demand Accountability for Arbitrary Detention of Protestors
Human Rights Reporters Ghana has issued a sharp rebuke of the Ghana Police Service following the arrest and detention of approximately 40 individuals engaged in a peaceful protest on September 21, 2024.
The protest, aimed at highlighting issues of state capture, corruption, and the environmental destruction caused by illegal small-scale mining (galamsey), was met with what the group describes as a “heavy-handed” and “unlawful” response from law enforcement.
In a statement, the human rights group decried the indiscriminate nature of the arrests, which included bystanders unaffiliated with the protest. The organization pointed to violations of Articles 14 and 21 of the 1992 Constitution, which guarantee personal liberty and the right to peaceful assembly, as fundamental breaches by the police.
The incident has reignited longstanding concerns about the conduct of the Ghana Police Service, particularly regarding the use of excessive force in managing public demonstrations. Human Rights Reporters Ghana warned that such actions undermine the rule of law and set a dangerous precedent for future public discourse.
The group has called for an immediate cessation of these “illegal actions” and urged a comprehensive investigation to hold accountable those responsible for the arrests. The statement also extended a call to civil society, legal professionals, and human rights advocates to rally together in demanding justice and safeguarding citizens’ constitutional rights.
This latest episode adds to mounting criticism of law enforcement practices in Ghana, where accusations of rights violations during public protests are becoming increasingly frequent. The call for police reform and greater accountability has gained traction among civil society groups, with growing pressure on authorities to address these systemic issues.
