State drops charges against seven Democracy Hub demo protestors

A Circuit Court in Accra has released seven of the nine individuals from Democracy Hub who were charged with unlawful assembly following their protest. 

This decision was made after State Prosecutors announced in court, under the supervision of His Honour Kwabena Kodua Obiri Yeboah, that the charges against these seven would be dropped on Tuesday, October 22.

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.

Appearing in court, the State Attorney informed the court that the Republic had decided to discontinue the case against Kingsley Asiedu, Seth Cofie, Vera Gloria Louis, Nii Quaye Hammond, Manuel Biney, Dorsese Joseph, and Ernest Acheampong.

However, two other individuals—Dela Quarshie, a businessman, and Agbevi Matthias, a teacher—will face new charges. The prosecution stated that additional disclosures and witness statements for these two would be submitted by the next court date.

The case has been adjourned to November 21.

All the accused persons have meanwhile pleaded not guilty to charges including conspiracy, unlawful assembly, causing damage, offensive conduct, and assault on a public officer.