The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has criticized members of the Democracy Hub for exceeding the boundaries of free expression during their recent protest at the 37 area in Accra.
According to Mr. Dame, the protestors displayed a blatant disregard for public safety, not only risking their own lives but also endangering the lives of others.
Speaking at the 2024 annual conference of the Association of Magistrates and Judges of Ghana (AMJG), Mr. Dame addressed the growing concern over demonstrations that disrupt public services.
He noted that while the right to protest is a vital part of democracy, actions that endanger lives or obstruct essential services cannot be justified.
Protestors crossed legal boundaries
“An unhealthy cycle of violence and civil disobedience is emerging, with demonstrations being used as a pretext for attacking security forces and disrupting public services,” the Attorney General remarked.
He explained that these actions, especially in the lead-up to the 2024 elections, create unnecessary tension and fear among citizens.
Dame drew parallels between recent protests in Ghana and similar events in the United Kingdom, where demonstrators were swiftly prosecuted for acts of public nuisance.
He cited the example of five “Just Stop Oil” climate campaigners who were jailed after blocking a London motorway.
In that case, the judge ruled that the protestors had crossed the line between legitimate activism and fanaticism.
International examples of handling protestors
To further emphasize his point, the Attorney General referenced riots in the UK earlier in 2024, where anti-immigration protests turned violent.
The UK’s swift prosecution of over 100 protestors served as a reminder of the consequences of unlawful behavior during demonstrations.
According to Mr. Dame, the lesson to be learned from such examples is that the nature of the protest’s cause does not justify illegal actions.
“In both the United States and the UK, regardless of the legitimacy of protestors’ concerns, actions that disrupt essential services, infringe on the rights of others, or endanger public safety are prosecuted,” he noted.
Calls for swift legal action
Mr. Dame stressed that while the right to free expression is vital, it must be balanced against the public interest and the rights of others, particularly as the country approaches the 2024 elections. “The peace and territorial integrity of our nation are far more important than any narrow political objectives,” he stated, calling on protestors to respect the rule of law.
He urged the Police Service to expedite their investigations into the recent protests and to exclude individuals from prosecution if sufficient evidence is not found.
He also advised prosecutors to consider bail applications where appropriate at the next adjourned court dates.
Conclusion
In his address, the Attorney General reaffirmed his support for the right to peaceful protest but underscored the need for responsibility.
He called on all citizens and political actors to prioritize national peace and stability, especially during this critical period leading up to the elections.
