The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has urged the Ghana Police Service (GPS) to urgently complete investigations related to the prosecution of Democracy Hub protesters by the next adjourned date.
He also advised the prosecution to consider relevant bail applications during the upcoming adjournment.
Speaking at the annual conference of the Association of Magistrates and Judges of Ghana (AMJG) in Accra on Tuesday, Mr. Dame emphasized the need for the Police Service to expedite the investigations involving excesses from recent protests in Accra. He requested that all individuals against whom there is insufficient evidence be excluded from proceedings by that date.
Additionally, he recommended that the prosecution give due consideration to any bail applications presented at the next court hearing.
The protests, which occurred between September 21 and 23, escalated into violence when demonstrators clashed with police.
The GPS has accused the protesters of blocking roads, dismantling barriers, obstructing traffic, and setting fire to property at Accra’s 37 Roundabout. Currently, 53 protesters are in remand; 9 are incarcerated, while the rest are in police custody.
The prosecution denies allegations of mistreatment of the accused, asserting that they have received proper care. During bail hearings, defense attorneys argued for the release of their clients, citing harsh conditions.
However, prosecutors contended that the accused had been provided with adequate food, including meals from the popular local restaurant Papaye, which led to a backlash from the defense.
Prosecutors have opposed bail, citing concerns over the protesters’ unknown addresses. Consequently, the judge denied the bail applications, remanding the protesters until October 8.
Following the court proceedings, the remanded protesters expressed their discontent by singing patriotic songs.
This comes after Oliver Barker-Vormawor and 12 members of Democracy Hub were remanded in police custody, awaiting their court appearance on October 8.
