Alan Kyerematen, the presidential candidate for the Alliance for Revolutionary Change, has taken a strong stance against the ongoing detention of young protesters who participated in the Democracy Hub demonstrations.
The protests, which aimed to spotlight the government’s failure to tackle illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, led to the arrest of several young Ghanaians.
During a fiery press conference held at the Ghana International Press Centre on Sunday, September 29, 2024, Kyerematen condemned the authorities for what he called “unlawful and unconstitutional” treatment of the protesters.
He expressed dismay at the Ghana Police Service’s handling of the situation, questioning how the police could supervise a three-day demonstration only to turn around and bring charges of unlawful assembly.
“It is beyond my wildest imagination how this happened,” Kyerematen stated emphatically. He criticized the police for their post-arrest treatment of the detained protesters, who have reportedly been denied access to legal counsel, medical care, food, and water. Kyerematen described the unprofessional and unlawful conduct of the police in managing the detained protesters as an abuse of power that undermines the constitutional rights of all Ghanaians.
Kyerematen’s scathing remarks also extended to the judiciary. He questioned the refusal of judges to grant bail to the detained youth, stating that the charges against them are misdemeanors and do not warrant prolonged detention.
He described the judiciary’s decision as an “abuse of judicial discretion,” calling for a swift review of the bail refusal to prevent further injustice.
In his speech, Kyerematen noted the troubling trend of intolerance towards dissenting views under the current NPP government.
He warned that the growing culture of fear and sycophancy, particularly in the lead-up to the December elections, is an ominous sign for Ghana’s democracy.
“Let it not be said that our generation stood by unconcerned as the dark clouds of chaos and anarchy began to gather in our beloved country,” he cautioned. Kyerematen emphasized that the responsibility to correct this injustice lies with the Attorney General, appealing to Godfred Dame to file an application for Nolle Prosequi to discontinue the case.
The Afrafranto candidate’s address was as much a condemnation of the broader political climate as it was a defense of the youth.
He slammed both the NPP and NDC for their failure to curb illegal mining and the environmental destruction it has caused, further fueling public discontent. He described the protest as a symptom of deeper systemic failures, particularly the government’s inability to provide jobs and hope for the future.
As the youth languished in custody, Kyerematen emphasized that their sacrifices would not be in vain. He pledged to fight alongside them to restore their rights and end the galamsey menace. “Do not be dismayed; there is light at the end of the tunnel,” he encouraged them.
In a powerful message to the youth, Kyerematen expressed solidarity, lauding them as the “heroes of our time.” He reassured them that their struggles would pave the way for a brighter future.
Kyerematen concluded his speech with a firm commitment to seeing justice done. “Together, we will win, and Ghana will rise again,” he declared, his words resonating with the hope of a better tomorrow for the youth of Ghana.
As the nation watches, Kyerematen’s bold stance has ignited a renewed debate on the importance of protecting democratic rights and promoting accountability in governance.
His unwavering support for the detained protesters has sent a strong message that the voice of the youth will not be silenced.
The outcome of this development remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Kyerematen’s unflinching commitment to justice and democracy has sparked a beacon of hope for Ghana’s future.
