<p><strong>The Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has issued a strong statement condemning the actions of the Ghana Police Service following the recent unlawful arrest of about 40 individuals engaged in a peaceful protest dubbed: “Democracy Hub Demo”.</strong></p>
<p>This demonstration, held over the weekend, highlighted critical national concerns including state capture, rampant corruption, and the devastating effects of illegal small-scale mining, commonly referred to as &#8220;galamsey,&#8221; on the country’s waterways.</p>
<p>In an alarming show of force, police not only targeted protesters but also detained innocent bystanders who were going about their daily business.</p>
<p>CDD-Ghana expressed deep concern over the police&#8217;s recurrent use of heavy-handed tactics, particularly against young protesters, undermining the rights protected under Article 14 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, which safeguards personal liberty and prohibits arbitrary detentions.</p>
<p>Key points of concern raised by CDD-Ghana include:</p>
<p>&#8211; The excessive force used against individuals exercising their constitutional right to protest.</p>
<p>&#8211; The police’s refusal to release a comprehensive list of those detained.</p>
<p>&#8211; Denial of access to legal counsel for arrested individuals, infringing upon Article 14(2) of the Constitution.</p>
<p>&#8211; The lack of communication with legal representatives before the detainees&#8217; appearances in court.</p>
<p>&#8211; Illegally transferring detainees from police custody to prison without appropriate judicial authorization.</p>
<p>&#8211; Keeping protesters in custody for more than the legally allowed 48 hours without arraignment, which violates Article 14(3).</p>
<p>&#8211; Restrictions preventing family members from visiting those who are detained.</p>
<p>These actions not only infringe upon essential human rights but also weaken the rule of law in Ghana, diminishing public trust in legal institutions.</p>
<p>In their statement, CDD-Ghana asserted that such actions pose a serious threat to the nation&#8217;s democratic principles and called for the immediate recognition of the legal rights of all detainees.</p>
<p>They emphasized the necessity for the government and relevant agencies to adhere to international human rights agreements like the 1966 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which enshrines the right to peaceful assembly.</p>
<p>Moreover, CDD-Ghana reiterated that the right to assemble is vital for civic participation and political consciousness, and it must be upheld as both an international and constitutional mandate in Ghana.</p>
<p>They urged the Ghana Police Service to reassess their role, stressing the need to prioritize the protection of citizens rather than their oppression, and to ensure that maintaining public order aligns with the nation’s constitutional norms.</p>
<p>The Center has also appealed to government and relevant stakeholders to reaffirm their commitment to the constitutional rights of all Ghanaians, advocating for an environment where freedom of expression, the right to peaceful assembly, and protection against unlawful detention are more than just theoretical guarantees—they should be vigorously defended and practiced.</p>
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