<p><strong>In a stark denunciation of recent events, Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), a prominent media advocacy and human rights NGO, has condemned the unlawful actions of the Ghana Police Service surrounding the arrests of approximately 40 citizens peacefully protesting on September 21, 2024.</strong></p>
<p>The demonstrators aimed to highlight several pressing national issues, including state capture, rampant corruption, and the devastating impacts of illegal small-scale mining, known as &#8220;galamsey,&#8221; on the country’s water bodies.</p>
<p>The HRRG&#8217;s latest press statement underscores troubling reports that the police not only targeted participants in the protest but also arrested ordinary bystanders engaging in their daily routines. Such indiscriminate arrests are deemed a blatant violation of basic human rights.</p>
<p>Expressing deep concern regarding the Ghana Police Service’s patterns of excessive force and unlawful tactics, particularly against young protesters, the HRRG highlighted that these actions violate the fundamental rights enshrined in Ghana&#8217;s 1992 Constitution.</p>
<p>Specifically, Article 14, which guarantees personal liberty, and Article 21, which protects the right to freedom of assembly, are under threat.</p>
<p>The police’s heavy-handed approach undermines citizens&#8217; lawful rights to express their grievances and engage in peaceful assembly. HRRG describes these acts as a gross abuse of power and a flagrant disregard for the rule of law.</p>
<p>The organization calls on the Ghana Police Service to immediately cease these unlawful actions and uphold the fundamental rights of all citizens.</p>
<p>The dynamic human rights advocacy group urges authorities to launch a thorough investigation into the incidents and hold accountable those responsible for these violations.</p>
<p>In a show of solidarity with the affected individuals, HRRG encourages all citizens to remain vigilant in defending their rights.</p>
<p>The organization calls upon civil society, legal practitioners, and human rights advocates to unite in denouncing these abuses and to demand accountability and justice for all.</p>
<p>As Ghana faces these critical issues, the need for a respectful dialogue between authorities and citizens has never been more paramount.</p>
<p>The press release was issued by the Office of Human Rights Reporters Ghana. For inquiries, please contact 0244424699.</p>