39 Democracy Hub demonstrators remanded … Court adjourns to Oct 8

A total of 39 out of the 40 demonstrators, all members of the Democracy Hub, a pressure group, charged with conspiracy to commit crime and unlawful assembly, have been remanded in prison custody by the Accra Circuit Court on Tuesday.

This was after they all pleaded not guilty to unlawful assembly, causing public disorder, causing harm to a public officer, breach of public peace, and causing unlawful harm.

The accused, who appeared before court presided over by Mr Kwabena Obiri Yeboah, were arrested by the police for allegedly holding a demonstration on Saturday, September 21, which according to the police was characterised by chaotic scenes and lawlessness.

 Those arraigned include Ralph Williams, the Convener of #TheFixTheCountry Movement, Kingsley Asiedu, who operates a mobile phone and mobile money business, Seth Coffie, a farmer, Vera Gloria Louis, field officer, Millennium Excellent Foundation, and Nii Quaye Hammond, a dispatch rider with a ride-hailing company.

The case has been adjourned to October 8.

Prosecuting, Amanda Awadey, a state attorney, told the court that the accused were part of a group of protesters.

She said  on July 9, 2024, the Ghana Police service received a notice from a group known as “Democracy Hub”, informing them of their intention to hold a protest dubbed *#Wetaya Demonstration.”

Ms Awadey noted that the group requested the police to provide them with security and protection for the intended demonstration.

She said the group indicated that they intended to protest at the Revolutionary Square, opposite the Jubilee Fouse.

The court heard that after several meetings with the police, the group was advised by the police to propose an alternative venue as the chosen venue was considered a security zone and likely to affect public order and lead to violence or endanger public defence.

Mrs Awadey stated that on September 18, an order of the High Court prohibited the group from embarking on the intended demonstration at the Revolutionary Square.

She said the police subsequently communicated to the order to convener of the group, and suggested seven different locations to be used for the protest in the interest of public order.

However, Ms Awadey indicated that the group rejected the proposed venues and elected to protest at the 37 Roundabout, which was rejected by the police.

She said on September 21, the group embarked on a protest and gathered around the37 Roundabout, insisting to proceed to the Revolutionary Square.

Ms Awadey further said the police mounted barricades around the 37 Roundabout in a bid to maintain security and order.

The State Attorney then told the court that the barricades restrained the demonstrators from proceeding to the Revolutionary Square.

But, they suddenly turned chaotic as the accused resorted to blocking the major roads with stones and vehicles delaying access to the roundabout.

This, according to the prosecutor caused serious traffic within the Liberation Road, the El walk stadium, the Kawukudi road and its environs.

“This caused significant traffic, delay, inconvenience and annoyance for commuters,” Mrs Awadey underlined.

 Moreover, she said the accused also pulled down billboards and burnt electoral posters and flags of political parties.

Again, the prosecutor said the accused forcefully pushed down the police barricade that was used to secure the area, obstructing the effort of the police to maintain peace and security.

BY MALIK SULLEMANA