Agroup of Ghanaian lawyers under the aegis of Lawyers for Protest Defence has written to the country’s Inspector General of Police to provide further information about 42 citizens arrested in connection with a public demonstration against current economic hardship in the country.
The Ghana Police Service had earlier announced the arrest of 42 people who participated in the Democracy Hub protest on Sunday in Accra.
The police described the protest as unlawful and engaged with the participants to stop the demonstration against bad governance in the country.
In a letter signed by Noah Admatey, the group said: “We are an assembly of lawyers who dedicate a part of our professional services to advising and representing protesters.
“Considering the various arrests which the police have made on September 22, 2024, we will be grateful if you could provide us with the following particulars of information:
a. A list of arrested or detained protesters,
b. The police stations or detention facilities where the arrested protesters are detained,
c. The courts before which the arrested protesters will be arraigned, and
d. The dates and times at which the arrested protesters will be arraigned.
“Please let us know if you need further assistance from us.”
In a statement released late Sunday, the police had said that all 42 arrested individuals, including some of the group’s leaders, would be charged and brought before the court.
The statement, signed by ACP Grace Ansah-Akrofi, Director of Public Affairs for the Ghana Police Service, had claimed that the demonstrators were involved in acts of lawlessness, including obstructing traffic, damaging police property, and attacking officers performing their duties.
Also, in a separate statement issued by the Ghana Police Service, the security operatives said they were searching for Oliver Barker-Vormawor, who was said to be leader and one of the conveners of the protest.
According to the police, Oliver Barker-Vormawor is currently on the run, trying to evade being arrested like others.