High Court grants Ama Governor, 8 others GHC 70,000 bail for galamsey protest
Ama Governor, along with eight other protesters who were remanded for their involvement in a demonstration against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, have been reportedly granted bail by the High Court in Accra.
After significant public attention and heated demonstrations both within Ghana and internationally, the High Court has granted bail to nine protesters previously remanded by the Accra Circuit Court. Each of the accused has been assigned bail at GHC 70,000 and must meet specific conditions, including weekly reporting to the police and depositing their Ghana Cards with the court registry.
The High Court’s decision came as a response to an appeal against an initial Circuit Court ruling that denied bail to these nine individuals. This earlier denial sparked widespread outrage, amplifying protests and drawing criticism from various rights organizations. The nine protesters who received bail are part of a larger group of 54 activists arrested during a two-day demonstration organized by Democracy Hub, aiming to spotlight issues around illegal mining (known locally as galamsey) and what they perceive as the government’s economic mismanagement.
The protests, held on September 22 and 23, 2024, around the bustling 37 Intersection in Accra, quickly escalated. Police responded with a strong presence, leading to dozens of arrests and tension on the ground. Following the initial Circuit Court appearance on September 24, bail was denied for many, resulting in the remand of 39 individuals across police and prison facilities. Ama Governor and eight other protesters were among those detained, and their next court dates are scheduled for October 8 and October 11, 2024.
Notably, the police detainment process intensified when two protesters required medical care after the initial confrontation but were subsequently remanded with the rest following treatment. Charges against the protesters include conspiracy, unlawful assembly, causing damage, offensive conduct, and assault on public officers. However, the detained protesters remain resolute in their advocacy, standing firm against illegal mining activities and voicing frustration over economic issues that have fueled unrest among Ghana’s population.
This incident is part of Ghana’s ongoing struggle with environmental and economic challenges tied to illegal mining. Galamsey has long caused serious harm to water sources, farmlands, and ecosystems, with public frustration growing as the problem persists. The Ghana Police Service confirmed that the rest of the arrested protesters would face court proceedings, with the Attorney-General’s office handling the case.
With the next hearings for 30 protesters set for October 8 and nine more scheduled for October 11, all eyes are on Ghana’s justice system and how it will navigate the complex issues around protest rights, environmental activism, and public discontent over economic governance.
