The Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), a dynamic media advocacy and human rights non-governmental organization in his latest press statement vehemently condemns the unlawful actions of the Ghana Police Service in the arrest and detention of approximately 40 citizens exercising their constitutional right to peaceful protest.
The incident occurred on Saturday, September 21, 2024, when demonstrators took to the streets to raise their voices against critical national issues, including state capture, rampant corruption, and the destructive effects of illegal small-scale mining (galamsey) on the country’s water bodies.
Troublingly, in addition to targeting peaceful protesters, police officers arrested ordinary bystanders who were merely going about their daily activities.
This indiscriminate action is a violation of their basic human rights.
We are especially concerned about the Ghana Police Service’s habitual use of unlawful tactics and excessive force, particularly against young protestors.
Such actions are not only unethical but also represent a clear violation of the fundamental human rights guaranteed by the 1992 Constitution of Ghana. Specifically, these actions breach Article 14, which protects the right to personal liberty, and Article 21, which ensures the right to freedom of assembly.
By arresting individuals without just cause and employing aggressive tactics to suppress peaceful demonstrations, the police have undermined citizens’ rights to lawfully express their grievances and engage in peaceful assembly.
These heavy-handed actions constitute a gross abuse of power and a disregard for the rule of law.
Human Rights Reporters Ghana joins the chorus in demanding that the Ghana Police Service immediately end these illegal actions and uphold each and every citizen’s fundamental rights.
We implore the appropriate authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation into this occurrence and to hold those accountable who committed these offenses.
Law enforcement organizations must uphold the rights of the people they have sworn to defend.
We also stand in solidarity with the affected individuals and urge all citizens to remain vigilant in defending their rights.
We call on civil society, legal practitioners, and human rights advocates to unite in condemning these abuses and to demand accountability and justice.
Read the full statement here:
