Civil society group, Democracy Hub has announced its decision to move forward with its planned #StopGalamseyNow demonstration, despite a court injunction sought by the Ghana Police Service.
The protest, aimed at raising awareness about illegal mining (galamsey) and its environmental impact, is scheduled to take place from September 21 to 23, 2024.
In a press release issued after a meeting with the Ghana Police Service earlier today, Democracy Hub revealed that the Police had pursued an ex parte injunction to halt the demonstration.
The group's representatives expressed concerns over the injunction being sought without prior notice, despite months of engagement.
They argued that this undermined trust in both the police and the judiciary, as courts in Ghana have historically upheld similar requests by law enforcement.
The group also requested a copy of the affidavit that was used to secure the injunction, but the Police refused to provide it.
Democracy Hub believes the injunction unlawfully restricts their right to peaceful assembly, as it appears to prohibit any future protests organized by the group.
Additionally, the organizers asked for a security assessment that the Police claimed justified the injunction.
However, the Police again declined to share the information.
Democracy Hub insists that restrictions on constitutional rights must be supported by clear, evidence-based justifications.
The Police proposed alternative locations for the protest, including Kawukudi Park, Efua Sutherland Park, and areas near El Wak Stadium and Obra Spot.
After consulting with security experts, Democracy Hub rejected these sites, citing concerns about public safety and the locations' lack of significance to the protest's purpose.
Instead, the group offered six alternative sites, including the 37 Roundabout and Airport Roundabout, which the Police also refused.
Faced with this deadlock, Democracy Hub has decided to revert to its original plan of holding the demonstration at the Revolutionary Square, a location they believe is secure and manageable from a public safety perspective.
The group will hold a press conference at 3 p.m. today at the Freedom Center in Kokomlemle to provide further details and logistical arrangements for the protest.
"We are not seeking confrontation," said Naa Densuaa, the group's spokesperson.
"This demonstration is about raising awareness of the destructive impact of illegal mining on our environment and communities. We are committed to a peaceful and organized protest, and we urge the Police to respect our constitutional right to do so."
As the standoff continues, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in the days leading up to the protest.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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