Ghanaian police arrested three additional protesters on Monday, including Oliver Barker-Vormawor, a leader of the Democracy Hub group.
This follows the detention of 42 individuals after clashes during protests over illegal mining and economic challenges. The protests, which began on Friday, were expected to continue until Monday in the capital, Accra.
Police spokeswoman Grace Ansah-Akrofi confirmed the arrests, stating that Barker-Vormawor was involved in “various unlawful acts” during the demonstrations.
Protesters, mainly youths, marched through Accra, expressing frustration over environmental destruction from illegal mining and perceived government mismanagement.
Ansah-Akrofi noted that the demonstrators unlawfully assembled and attacked police officers, obstructing traffic, damaging property, and causing disturbances.
Earlier police statements described incidents of lawlessness, including tampering with police vehicles and disrupting public order.
Barker-Vormawor denied claims of evading arrest, stating he had been in regular contact with police officers. Democracy Hub called for dialogue with authorities to ensure the safety of participants.
The protests come ahead of Ghana’s presidential election in December, with the struggling economy a major campaign issue.
