Presidential Candidate of the Afrafranto Alliance, Alan Kyerematen, has taken a strong stand against the unlawful detention of 53 young protesters involved in the Democracy Hub demonstrations.
At a press conference held at the Ghana International Press Centre on Sunday, Mr. Kyerematen condemned the authorities’ actions, describing the arrests and detentions as “unlawful and unconstitutional.”
The protests, organized to highlight the government’s failure to tackle illegal mining, also known as *galamsey*, resulted in the youth being charged with conspiracy to commit a crime and unlawful assembly. However, Mr. Kyerematen was quick to point out the contradictions in the Ghana Police Service’s actions, stating, “It is beyond my wildest imagination how this happened. How can the police supervise a peaceful three-day protest, only to later accuse these youth of unlawful assembly?”
He further criticized the police for their handling of the detainees, alleging that they had been denied access to basic rights. “The reports we are receiving—that these young Ghanaians have been denied legal counsel, medical care, food, and water—are deeply troubling. This is an abuse of power, plain and simple,” Mr. Kyerematen asserted.
The Afrafranto leader also took aim at the judiciary, questioning the refusal of judges to grant bail to the protesters. “The charges against them are misdemeanours, so why are they being denied bail? This is an abuse of judicial discretion,” he declared, urging the courts to swiftly reconsider their stance to prevent further injustice.
### **A Call for Action from the Attorney General**
Kyerematen turned his attention to the Attorney General, Godfred Dame, urging him to discontinue the case. “The future of Ghana’s democracy hinges on fair treatment of its young people. I appeal to the Attorney General to apply for Nolle Prosequi and bring this travesty to an end,” he said.
His speech also addressed broader concerns, criticizing both the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) for their collective failure to combat illegal mining. He linked the youth protests to larger systemic issues, saying, “The protest is not just about *galamsey*; it is about the government’s inability to provide jobs and hope for the future.”
### **A Culture of Fear and Intolerance**
Kyerematen expressed concern over a growing culture of intolerance toward dissent in the lead-up to the December elections. “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 warned. He called the increasing suppression of free speech and peaceful protest a troubling sign for Ghana’s democracy.
### **Solidarity with the Youth**
After the press conference, Mr. Kyerematen visited the detained protesters at the Legon Police Station. He offered words of encouragement, calling them the “heroes of our time” and reassuring them that their sacrifices would not go unnoticed. “Do not be dismayed; there is light at the end of the tunnel,” he told them.
Kyerematen also revealed that his law firm had already dispatched a team of lawyers to defend the arrested youth. “We are ensuring they receive the legal representation they deserve, and we will fight alongside them to restore their rights,” he affirmed.
### **Conclusion**
In a final rallying cry, Mr. Kyerematen promised that justice would be served. “Together, we will win, and Ghana will rise again,” he concluded, leaving his audience with a message of hope and determination for a better future for the youth of Ghana.
