Deputy Attorney General, Alfred Tuah Yeboah has assured the public that justice is being properly administered in the case of the arrested and remanded Democracy Hub protesters.
Speaking in an interview with Channel One TV on Saturday, September 28, Mr Tuah Yeboah emphasized that the legal process is being followed correctly, as the protesters were given a fair hearing in court.
He clarified that, issues would have arisen if the protesters had been remanded without appearing before a judge, underscoring the importance of due process in such matters.
Mr Tuah Yeboah also highlighted that the bail conditions and charges in this case are consistent with similar instances, stressing that the legal proceedings are being handled justly and within the framework 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 insisted.
Between September 21 and 23, a peaceful protest escalated into violence as demonstrators clashed with police.
The Ghana Police Service accused the protesters of blocking roads, dismantling barriers, obstructing traffic, and setting fire to some property at the 37 Roundabout in Accra.
As a result, 53 protesters have been remanded, with 9 in prison and the others in police custody.
The prosecution has denied allegations of mistreatment, insisting that the accused are receiving proper care. During a bail hearing, defence lawyers argued for their clients’ release, citing harsh conditions in custody.
In response, prosecutors claimed the accused were provided with sufficient food, including meals from the popular local restaurant, Papaye, which sparked outrage from the defence.
They opposed the bail request, expressing concerns about the protesters’ unknown addresses.
The judge ultimately denied the bail applications, ordering the protesters to remain in custody until October 8. After the court proceedings, the remanded protesters voiced their dissatisfaction by singing patriotic songs.
This development follows the remand of Oliver Barker-Vormawor and 12 other members of the Democracy Hub, who have been held in police custody for two weeks and are also awaiting a court appearance on October 8.
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