President Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has reacted to the arrest of some 53 persons who partook in the anti-galamsey protest organised by Democracy Hub.
The President says he has no hand in the prosecution of the protesters since the judiciary which is responsible for trying cases in the country is an independent arm of government.
Speaking with France 24 Friday, October 04, 2024, the President noted that the ongoing trial is by virtue of the protesters’ own deeds.
According to him, the Judiciary has dealt with people throughout the inception of the Fourth Republic as an independent institution without the interference of the Executive.
“I am not responsible for jailing people in Ghana, The courts in Ghana are independent institutions and they have been so through the Fourth Republic. People misconduct themselves and are brought before the court it is for the court, it is for the court to deal with them, it has nothing to do with the executive, and their behaviour is what landed them in trouble with the Police and the court,” he stated.
The President also added that he cannot stand in the way of protestors since his political career was aided by same, adding that he cannot prevent people from airing their views.
“How can a president whose political career was aided by leading protests have problems with protests, I don’t have problems with protests and nothing is done in Ghana to prevent people from airing their views,” he said in addition.
The recent protest in question was organised to raise awareness of the environmental devastation being caused by illegal mining also known as ‘galamsey’.
The practice has destroyed forest reserves and polluted water bodies which has negatively impacted Ghana’s environment and ecosystem.
Despite admitting the devastating impact of galamsey, Akufo-Addo noted that those protesting must do so within the remit of the law of find solution to the menace.
Speaking on broader regional issues with focus on the political upheavals in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, he expressed disappointment in the military juntas’ decision to withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) after staging coup d’etats in their countries.
Akufo-Addo said he remained hopeful that diplomacy could eventually pave the way for these countries to rejoin the regional bloc.
Addressing the security situation in the Sahel, Akufo-Addo acknowledged that the region has faced increasing instability since the withdrawal of French troops in 2023.
The exit of French forces, who had been combating extremist groups in the area, has led to a surge in militant activity and worsened the overall security climate.
The president called for greater cooperation among West African nations to tackle the rising threat of extremism, urging ECOWAS to redouble its efforts in restoring peace and stability.
