Akufo-Addo rejects claims of suppressing anti-galamsey protests

President Nana Akufo-Addo has strongly dismissed claims that his government is suppressing opposing views following the anti-Galamsey protests, which have resulted in the arrest and detention of 53 protesters.

In an interview with France24 on Friday, October 4, the President reaffirmed his support for peaceful demonstrations, emphasising that they are a cornerstone of democratic expression.

The protesters, part of the Democracy Hub, were arrested while demonstrating against illegal mining, or galamsey, which has severely damaged the environment.

The case is being prosecuted by the Attorney General’s office, with some protesters allegedly held beyond the legal 48-hour detention period, sparking backlash from legal experts.

These critics argue that the treatment of the protesters, who face misdemeanour charges, has been excessive and that they should have been granted bail immediately.

However, in the interview, President Akufo-Addo distanced his government from the matter, underscoring the judiciary’s independence.

“I am not responsible for jailing people in Ghana. The courts in Ghana are independent institutions, and they have been so through the Fourth Republic. People misconduct themselves and are brought before the court—it is for the court to deal with them; it has nothing to do with the executive. Their behaviour is what landed them in trouble with the police and the court.”

The President further questioned the notion that he would oppose protests, given his own political background.

“How can a president whose political career was aided by leading protests have problems with protests? I don’t have problems with protests, and nothing is done in Ghana to prevent people from airing their views.”

Acknowledging the serious nature of the galamsey crisis, Akufo-Addo urged demonstrators to remain peaceful and engage with authorities to find sustainable solutions to the illegal mining issue.