I Am Not Against Protests; It Is The Same Thing That Brought Me To Power – Akufo-Addo Tells France 24

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has refuted claims suggesting that he opposes public protests, following demonstrations by Ghanaian youth in Accra. The protests were aimed at expressing their dissatisfaction with the ongoing issue of illegal mining, known locally as “galamsey,” which has severely impacted the country’s water bodies and forest reserves.

The demonstration, which sought to raise awareness about the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining, led to the arrest of several protesters. These individuals were later remanded by an Accra circuit court, sparking a social media campaign under the hashtag #FreeTheCitizen, calling for their release. Supporters of the movement argue that the protesters were merely exercising their right to speak out against the harmful effects of illegal mining.

In response to the controversy, President Akufo-Addo, in an interview with France 24, firmly dismissed the notion that he is against peaceful protests. He highlighted his own history as a political activist, emphasizing that his career was largely shaped by his involvement in protest movements.

“How could I, a president whose political career was built on leading protests, be opposed to them?” the president asked rhetorically. He pointed to his record of organizing and participating in protests as part of the political process in Ghana. According to him, no measures have been taken to hinder citizens from expressing their views on various issues, including the galamsey crisis.

The President’s remarks aim to clarify his stance on civil liberties, particularly as criticism mounts over the handling of recent protests. Despite the arrests, he reiterated his belief in the fundamental right of Ghanaians to freely express their concerns in a democratic society.

Source: GhanaFeed.Com