The Accra High Court has granted bail to twelve protesters from the Democracy Hub group following their arrest during the September 21 #StopGalamsey and #ReOccupyJulorbiHouse demonstrations.
These protests, aimed at raising awareness about illegal mining (galamsey) and pressing national issues, resulted in the detention of over 53 demonstrators, sparking widespread debate about the government’s approach to peaceful protests.
The twelve individuals, including Felicity Nelson, Benjamin Akufu-Darko, Cedric Bansah, Michael Amofa, Emmanuel Offei, Nii Ayi, Fred Boateng, Deportee Iddrisu Yusif, Wendell Yeboah, Samuel Samakor, Nana Amo Mensah Prempeh, and Thomas Yeboah, were each granted bail of GHS 20,000 with two sureties.
The court’s decision comes after a series of previous bail denials, which had kept the protesters in extended remand.
State prosecutors opposed the bail application, maintaining that the charges against the activists had not been dropped.
This means that, despite the court’s ruling, the legal battles for the protesters are far from over. The terms of their bail also require them to report to the police once a week, placing ongoing obligations on the individuals as their cases continue.
The Democracy Hub, a vocal advocate for transparency, accountability, and environmental protection, organized the September 21 protests under the #StopGalamsey banner.
The movement is dedicated to stopping illegal mining practices, which have caused widespread environmental degradation in Ghana.
Their protests also aligned with the #ReOccupyJulorbiHouse movement, which criticizes government inefficiency and alleged corruption.
In a statement following the bail decision, the Democracy Hub expressed mixed emotions. While celebrating the release of their members, they condemned what they viewed as the state’s unwarranted resistance to the bail application.
They criticized the legal restrictions placed on the protesters, which they believe are designed to deter further civic activism.
The arrest and subsequent detention of the protesters have drawn criticism from various rights groups and members of the public who argue that the right to peaceful assembly is enshrined in Ghana’s Constitution.
The ongoing legal challenges for the protesters serve as a critical test of the country’s democratic values and the protection of civil liberties. 
Source: A1Radioonline.com | 101.1 MHz | Moses Apiah | Bolgatanga
