By: Emmanuel Amoah
An Accra High Court, under the leadership of Justice Comfort Tasiame, has granted bail to lawyer and activist Ama Governor, along with eight other individuals involved in a recent anti-galamsey protest. The court set the bail amount at GH¢70,000 for each person, with two sureties.
The others granted bail include Emmanuel Gyan, Emmanuel Kwabena Addo, Ziblim Yakubu, Oheneba Prempeh, Philip Owusu Kwabena, Akisibik Desmond, Von Coffie, and Sadik Yakubu. As part of their bail conditions, all are required to report to the police once a week.
This ruling followed a court hearing that examined the legal and societal implications of the group’s protest against illegal mining, commonly referred to as “galamsey,” in Ghana. The protest aimed to bring attention to the detrimental environmental impact of illegal mining, including the destruction of farmlands, water bodies, and forests.
During the court proceedings, the defence stressed that the protest was peaceful and focused on advocating for environmental protection. They underscored the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, particularly in the pursuit of social justice and environmental preservation.
While acknowledging the significance of the protestors’ cause, the judge emphasized the importance of maintaining law and order during public demonstrations.
The case, prosecuted by the office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, drew criticism from legal experts who argued that the detention of the protesters for over 48 hours before being brought to court was excessive. Many see the protest as a necessary stance against galamsey, a pressing issue that continues to threaten the country’s water bodies and forest reserves.
