Police have arrested more than 20 protesters from the Democracy Hub group at the 37 Roundabout on the second day of their three-day anti-galamsey demonstration.
The arrests came after law enforcement warned protesters not to assemble at the same location as the previous day, citing concerns over public order.
Despite the warning, demonstrators gathered to continue voicing their concerns about illegal mining activities, known as “galamsey,” prompting police intervention.
While an official police statement on the exact number of people detained and the charges they may face is yet to be released, witnesses estimate that around 20 protesters have been picked up.
As part of the arrest process, police took an inventory of mobile phones seized from those detained.
This has sparked heated discussions on social media, with many calling for more clarity on the situation and questioning the potential infringement on the right to peaceful assembly.
Concerns about the transparency of the police action have fueled debates on the limits of lawful protest in the country.
Unlike the first day of protests, when demonstrators blocked all roads around the intersection, causing significant inconvenience to motorists, traffic at the 37 Roundabout remained fluid during the second day’s protest.
This allowed for smoother movement in the area despite the ongoing demonstrations.
The Democracy Hub’s actions highlight the growing frustration among citizens regarding illegal mining practices, with their protest serving as a call to action against environmental degradation and corruption.
