Shatta Wale's Former Crony, Others Arraigned Before Court After Stop Galamsey Now Arrests
- Several protestors arrested during the demonstration against illegal mining have been arraigned before court
- One of the protestors was Deportee, a music executive and a former associate of dancehall star Shatta Wale
- Social media has been awash with remarks from Ghanaian netizens raising awareness about the issues
- YEN.com.gh spoke to entertainment writer Nana Kojo Mula who has been advocating for creatives' involvement in the ongoing protests
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The police have arrested over 40 Ghanaian illegal mining protestors on September 21 and September 23 in Accra.
The protesters were allegedly denied access to their lawyers until being arraigned and remanded for two weeks.
Source: Instagram
Several Ghanaian creatives, including YouTuber Ama Governor, artist Glenn Samm, and music executive Deportee formerly linked to Shatta Wale, are among the incarcerated protestors.
On September 25, Glenn Samm and Deportee, together with nine others, pled not guilty after appearing before the court for the first after their arrest. The court remanded them into police custody and ordered them to reappear a day after that.
It was stated that lawyers have reported the Ghana Police Service to Ghana's Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice for allegedly violating protesters' fundamental rights.
Legal representatives alleged that the conduct of the Ghana Police Service following the arrest and detainment of more than 45 protesters has been unconscionable and inhumane.
Glenn Samm's manager complained that police had refused him access to the artiste and told YEN.com.gh that he feared Glenn had been targeted and profiled.
Meanwhile, the arrest has thrown social media into a frenzy as scores of fans beseech their favourite celebrities to join the cause against illegal mining.
Speaking to YEN.com.gh, entertainment analyst Nana Kojo Mula weighed in on the need the involvement of creatives in the ongoing protests,
"We are not even asking for much. Just a tweet, a repost, a comment, or even a share. We know it is campaign season, and some of them are looking out for deals, but it shouldn't blind them from adding their voices to a course like this. If consumers start withholding support, maybe, just maybe they will then start to see the sense in adding their voice things like this. It is sadder because their fellow creatives were out there protesting and got arrested and are being arraigned illegally, but they're still silent."
@AnyeteiGanyobi alleged:
"As early as 7 am they trying their case without their lawyers not knowing the time and place."
@LorddMhisty tagged Ghana Police Service in his comment:
You people are allowing yourself to be used by this wicked gov't and be seen as enemies? Speak up, don't be cowards, Wise up, don't be STUPID!!!
Police issues statement on anti-galamsey protest
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that the police had confirmed that Oliver Barker-Vormawor, the lead convener of the recent protest in Accra, was hospitalised after complaints of ill health.
In a statement, the police stressed that they had not denied the two detained protestors any medical attention since their arrests, as anti-galamsey sentiment continues to build up.
Proofread by Bruce Douglas, senior copy editor at YEN.com.gh
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Source: YEN.com.gh
