Ama Governor, 8 other Democracy Hub protestors granted ¢70k bail each
By DL News
Published
1 min read
The bail was set at GH¢70,000, with each defendant required to provide two sureties.
An Accra High Court, overseen by Justice Comfort Tasiame, has granted bail to Ama Governor and eight other individuals who participated in recent protests against illegal mining (galamsey).
The bail was set at GH¢70,000, with each defendant required to provide two sureties. The other individuals granted bail include Emmanuel Gyan, Emmanuel Kwabena Addo, Ziblim Yakubu, Oheneba Prempeh, Philip Owusu Kwabena, Akisibik Desmond, Von Coffie, and Sadik Yakubu. As part of their bail conditions, they must report to the Ghana Police Service once a week.
The ruling came after a court session that examined the legal and societal aspects of the protesters' actions, which aimed to raise awareness about the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining in Ghana.
The bail conditions ensure the accused are available for future hearings while allowing them temporary freedom.
The protesters were arrested during demonstrations advocating against the harmful effects of galamsey, which has significantly damaged farmland, water bodies, and forests.
Public support for such environmental causes has been growing, with many Ghanaians calling for stricter measures to protect the country's natural resources.
During the court session, the defense argued that the protests were peaceful and focused on environmental advocacy, not violence.
They underscored the importance of free speech and the right to assemble peacefully in the pursuit of social justice.
The judge acknowledged the legitimacy of the protesters' cause but emphasized the need for law and order during such demonstrations.
The case, known as the Democracy Hub Protesters, was handled by the Attorney General’s Office and the Ministry of Justice.
Legal experts have criticized the state's prolonged detention of the protesters beyond the legal 48-hour period before they were brought to court, especially given that the protests were centered on addressing the urgent issue of illegal mining, which threatens vital ecosystems like water bodies and forests.
