Ghana’s President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has been likened to the biblical Pharaoh who refused to let the Israelites leave Egypt to the promise land.
In this case however, the people being held are the 54 democracy hub demonstrators detained by the Ghana Police Service on charges ranging from destruction of public property, disturbing public order and a host of other charges.
It would be recalled that from the 21st September to 23rd September, 2024, Democracy Hub protestors embarked on a 3-day demonstration to demand government action against illegal mining, otherwise known as galamsey and draw attention to the destruction it left in its wake.
The demonstration did not end as peacefully as one would expect, as some excesses occurred, leading to the arrest and detention of 54 protestors.
The Ghana Police Service (GPS) accused the protesters of blocking roads, dismantling barriers, obstructing traffic, and damaging property at the Accra’s 37 Roundabout.
The arrested persons were denied bail and remanded until October 8, 2024.
Following their arrest and bail denial, social media users came up with #FreeTheCitizens hashtag, demanding the release of these protestors. The #FreeTheCitizens demonstration, now in its third and final day saw:
- Demonstrators petition the Attorney General to demand the release of Democracy Hub demonstrators in custody.
- Petition the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources to end galamsey
- Petition parliament, demanding a bill banning illegal mining.
Although on the third day, the petition for day 1, demanding the release of arrested protestors has not been met, leading to President Akufo-Addo being dubbed Pharoah, with the scripture “Exodus 8:16 “…and Pharaoh hardened his heart.”
By; Joel Sanco
