The founder of the Royal House Chapel International, Apostle General Sam Korankye Ankrah, has urged the government and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to release the Democracy Hub protestors on bail. He believes that keeping these individuals in custody will only worsen the situation and provoke others to potentially act against the country.
Speaking during a Sunday service, the preacher explained that throwing these people behind bars does not solve the current problems. “I want to plead with the Inspector General of Police and the government, the young boys and girls who have been arrested because of the demonstration against illegal mining and against the hardship that is going on in the nation, I am pleading with the government and the court and the IGP- those young boys be released. Give them bail,” he said on September 29.
Apostle Ankrah also urged the youth to be mindful with their actions during protests. “We are advising anyone when you are going to have your democratic demonstrations, please be matching with your slogans and your placards; that’s all that we want to see. We don’t want violence in this nation,” he added. Between September 21 and 23, a peaceful protest escalated into violence as demonstrators clashed with police.
The Ghana Police Service accused the protesters of blocking roads, dismantling barriers, obstructing traffic, and setting fire to some property at the 37 Roundabout in Accra. As a result, 53 protesters have been remanded, with 9 in prison and the others in police custody.
The prosecution has denied allegations of mistreatment, insisting that the accused are receiving proper care. During a bail hearing, defence lawyers argued for their clients’ release, citing harsh conditions in custody.
In response, prosecutors claimed the accused were provided with sufficient food, including meals from the popular local restaurant, ‘Papaye’, which sparked outrage from the defence.
They opposed the bail request, expressing concerns about the protesters’ unknown addresses. The judge ultimately denied the bail applications, ordering the protesters to remain in custody until October 8. After the court proceedings, the remanded protesters voiced their dissatisfaction by singing patriotic songs.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
