Democracy Hub demo: Justice is being delivered – Deputy AG
Deputy Attorney General Alfred Tuah Yeboah has affirmed that justice is being upheld following the arrests and remand of the Democracy Hub protesters.
In an interview on Saturday, September 28, Tuah Yeboah explained that the prosecution is proceeding lawfully, as the protesters were given a court hearing.
He stressed that the situation would have been problematic had the protesters been remanded without appearing before the court.
Tuah Yeboah emphasized the importance of due process in such cases, noting that bail considerations and charges in this instance are consistent with similar cases, which have not sparked any controversy.
He reiterated that the legal procedures being followed ensure justice is served fairly and within the bounds of the law.
“So far as we’re concerned, justice is being delivered. Simply because it’s being done in accordance with the law. If for example, after the arrests of the accused persons, they were not taken to any court, and the court has just remanded them without a hearing, we will be the first to come out and say there was no justice, because it was not done in accordance with law or due process.
“When it comes to granting of bail, it matters not, and I repeat it matters not the offences that you are facing. The actual fact is that the court will decide whether to grant you bail, looking at various circumstances. It can be a misdemeanour charge but the court will decide to look at it whether you are entitled to bail or you are not entitled to bail.
“People have been remanded for similar offences and no issues were raised. So, if someone is of the opinion that they may have been charged with a misdemeanour and so automatically they are entitled to bail, then you may not be having the right law,” he explained.
He acknowledged the court’s decision to deny bail to the protesters, a ruling that aligns with the legal framework where bail can be refused if certain conditions are not met.
Background
A peaceful protest turned violent between September 21-23 when demonstrators clashed with police. The Ghana Police Service accused protesters of blocking roads, dismantling barriers, obstructing traffic, and burning properties at Accra’s 37 Roundabout. Currently, 53 protesters are remanded; 9 are in prison and the rest are in police custody.
The prosecution denies mistreating the accused, insisting they receive proper care. During the bail hearing, defence lawyers sought release, citing harsh conditions. However, prosecutors countered that the accused received adequate food, including meals from the popular local restaurant Papaye. This sparked defence outrage.
Prosecutors opposed bail, citing concerns over unknown addresses. The judge denied bail applications, remanding protesters until October 8.
Following court proceedings, remanded protesters expressed dissatisfaction by singing patriotic songs. This follows Oliver Barker-Vormawor and 12 Democracy Hub members’ two-week remand in police custody, awaiting their October 8 court appearance.