CDD-Ghana condemns police brutality amid protest arrests

In a stark denunciation of police conduct, the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has condemned the unlawful tactics employed by the Ghana Police Service during the recent arrest and detention of approximately 40 citizens who were exercising their constitutional right to protest over crucial national issues.

This protest, which took place over the weekend, was driven by citizens’ urgent demand for accountability in light of critical concerns such as rising state capture, rampant corruption, and the ongoing illegal small-scale mining activities—known as “galamsey”—that are significantly harming the nation’s water bodies.

In a shocking display of excessive force, police not only targeted the protesters but also apprehended bystanders who were merely going about their daily routines.

CDD-Ghana has expressed particular alarm regarding the police’s history of employing heavy-handed tactics, especially towards young activists.

These actions blatantly undermine the principles outlined in Article 14 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, which guarantees the right to personal liberty and prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention.

The organization highlighted several concerning actions taken by the police during this incident, including:

• The inappropriate use of force against citizens engaged in peaceful protest.
• The refusal to disclose the full list of those arrested.
• Denial of access to legal counsel for detainees, violating Article 14(2) of the Constitution.
• Failure to notify legal representatives prior to the detainees’ court arraignment.
• The illegal transfer of detainees from police custody to prison without judicial approval.
• Holding protesters beyond the legally mandated 48 hours before presenting them to a competent court, as stated in Article 14(3).
• Ongoing restrictions on family members wanting to visit their detained relatives.

These actions not only violate fundamental human rights but also undermine the rule of law in Ghana, eroding public trust in the nation’s legal institutions.

In their statement, CDD-Ghana emphasized that such misconduct is detrimental to the health of Ghana’s democracy and called for immediate adherence to fair and due process for all detainees.

They reiterated the importance of the government and relevant authorities respecting Ghana’s commitment to international human rights treaties, such as the 1966 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which safeguards the right to peaceful assembly.

As CDD-Ghana pointed out, the freedom of assembly, enshrined in both international law and Ghana’s Constitution, is crucial for civic engagement, political awareness, and active participation in public affairs.

They urged the Ghana Police Service to fulfil their duty to protect citizens rather than oppress them, insisting that maintaining public order must be in accordance with constitutional principles.

In conclusion, CDD-Ghana called on the government and relevant institutions to uphold the constitutional rights of all Ghanaians, advocating for a society where freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and protection from unlawful detention are not just promised but actively enforced.

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