The Police Service has debunked circulating reports claiming that a pregnant woman and an elderly lady with a child were arrested during the Democracy Hub anti-galamsey protest over the weekend in Accra
According to the Police, these allegations, which have gained traction on social media, are “completely false” and were designed to mislead the public.
In a strongly worded statement on Thursday, September 26, the Police categorically denied these claims, calling the public to disregard such misinformation.
“We want to state unequivocally that no pregnant woman or elderly lady with a child was arrested during the demonstration. These rumours are false and are intended to cause unnecessary panic and stir distrust in the Police Service,” the statement said.
“Following the arrests, the attention of the Ghana Police Service has been drawn to reports suggesting that a 12-year-old child, a 68-year-old woman, and a pregnant woman were among those arrested and detained.
“We would like to categorically state that all these are false. We, therefore, urge the public to disregard these reports and treat them with the contempt they deserve,” the Police said.
They added that “In the case of the 12-year-old child and the 68-year-old woman, in the course of the arrest, Police realized that one of the suspects, Grace Asantewaa, a 50-year- old woman, who is being reported as a 68-year-old, had a child with her.
“In order not to separate the child from the woman, the child was allowed to accompany her to the Police Station. At the Police Station, Police provided the child with food and for the sake of the child, her guardian, Grace Asantewaa, was granted a Police enquiry bail and allowed to go home with the child.
The Police Service said it has charged Grace Asantewaa with the offence of exposing a child to danger, by bringing her to the demonstration grounds, contrary to section 71 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
They added that “In the case of the 12-year-old child and the 68-year-old woman, in the course of the arrest, Police realized that one of the suspects, Grace Asantewaa, a 50-year- old woman, who is being reported as a 68-year-old, had a child with her.
“In order not to separate the child from the woman, the child was allowed to accompany her to the Police Station. At the Police Station, Police provided the child with food and for the sake of the child, her guardian, Grace Asantewaa, was granted a Police enquiry bail and allowed to go home with the child.
The Police Service said it has charged Grace Asantewaa with the offence of exposing a child to danger, by bringing her to the demonstration grounds, contrary to section 71 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
They added that “In the case of the 12-year-old child and the 68-year-old woman, in the course of the arrest, Police realized that one of the suspects, Grace Asantewaa, a 50-year- old woman, who is being reported as a 68-year-old, had a child with her.
“In order not to separate the child from the woman, the child was allowed to accompany her to the Police Station. At the Police Station, Police provided the child with food and for the sake of the child, her guardian, Grace Asantewaa, was granted a Police enquiry bail and allowed to go home with the child.
The Police Service said it has charged Grace Asantewaa with the offence of exposing a child to danger, by bringing her to the demonstration grounds, contrary to section 71 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
The Police explained that while several protesters were arrested for breaching the agreed terms of the demonstration, none of those apprehended matched the descriptions being circulated on social media.
The false reports, according to the Police, were likely spread to tarnish the image of law enforcement and to stir up public anger.
“We urge the public to be responsible in sharing information, especially on social media. False information such as this can cause unnecessary fear and disrupt public order.
“We want to reiterate that all arrests made were within the confines of the law and in response to clear violations of the agreed terms of the protest,” the statement added.
The Police Service emphasised its commitment to professionalism and the protection of citizens’ rights, clarifying that they were focused on ensuring a peaceful and lawful demonstration.
“Throughout the demonstration, our officers acted with the highest level of professionalism, and no unlawful arrests were made. We remain committed to upholding the rights of demonstrators while also ensuring that public order is maintained,” the statement stressed.
The Police concluded by cautioning the public against spreading unverified information, which could seriously affect public safety and law enforcement efforts.
“We implore the public to fact-check information before sharing it. Sensational and unverified claims like this only serve to undermine the efforts of the Police in maintaining peace and security.”
Meanwhile, the Accra Circuit Court has remanded the convener of the #FixTheCountry protest, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, along with 12 other protesters, in police custody.
This follows their involvement in the recent three-day #StopGalamseyNow and #ReoccupyJulorbiHouse demonstrations organised by Democracy Hub.
This brings the total number of protesters remanded by the court to 51.
In court on Thursday, September 26, Barker-Vormawor pleaded not guilty to all eight charges against him.
His lawyer argued for bail on health grounds, stating that the police hospital lacked the necessary facilities to care for his client.
