The Generational Rights Protection Society (GRPS), a pressure group advocating for environmental sustainability has vowed to proceed with its planned demonstration against illegal mining (Galamsey) scheduled for April 28-30, regardless the Police Service’s objections.
The group served the police with a notice of intention to demonstrate, citing Section 1 of the Public Order Act, Act 491.The Generational Rights Protection Society (GRPS) claims it was treated unfairly by the police.
According to the group, they were invited by police for a continuation of their conversation, but upon arrival, they were unexpectedly served with a court notice to appear tomorrow.
The Aggrieved pressure group feels this is unjust, as they believe the law requires at least three days’ notice after being served, rather than just one day’s notice.
The Convener of GRPS, Okatakyie Afrifa, stated emphatically that the group will appear in court as required but insists that the demonstration will proceed as planned unless the court orders otherwise.
Afrifa emphasized that the police do not have the authority to stop the demonstration without a court order. “We want to stage a demonstration not against the President, but to create awareness for the President to wake up to the realities that our water bodies and environment are being threatened with this menace of illegal mining.”
Mr Akwasi Addai Odike, the 2012 presidential candidate of the United Front Party (UFP) emphasized that the demonstration’s purpose is to highlight the devastating effects of galamsey and other forms of illegal mining on the environment and the nation’s water bodies.
“It is about national interest. So, they should allow us to do justice and ensure that we get our message across”, Odeke stressed.
For his part, Clement Opoku, lawyer for the Generational Rights Protection Society (GRPS), stated that despite the short notice, they will honor the court service and appear in court tomorrow. However, he expressed concerns about the brief timeframe, noting that typically, court processes require more time.
“We have just been served this morning, and we are expected to appear in court tomorrow. We will go to court, speak to the judge, and see what happens next. After tomorrow’s proceedings, we will assess the situation and advise ourselves on the next steps.”
Source: Bernard K Dadzie; Greater Accra Region
