Joyce Bawah Mogtari, a prominent member of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and former Deputy Transport Minister, has issued a stern warning to the ruling government regarding its handling of the Democracy Hub protesters.

She stressed that the actions taken against these demonstrators, who were exercising their democratic rights, will not be forgotten by Ghanaians as they head to the polls on December 7, 2024.

"They will be remembered on December 7th for this alone. We will vote against the NPP, Akufo-Addo, and Bawumia. We will vote for John Mahama. Our nation cannot afford a government that is scared of its people."

In a strong critique of the government, Mrs. Mogtari condemned the arrests of peaceful protesters who have been voicing their dissatisfaction with the current state of governance. She highlighted that such actions would have lasting political repercussions as the electorate makes its decisions in the upcoming general elections.

Bawah Mogtari, aide to the former President John Dramani Mahama

According to Mrs. Mogtari, the government's crackdown on the Democracy Hub protesters reflects a broader effort to stifle dissent and intimidate citizens. She emphasized that instead of resorting to heavy-handed tactics and arrests, the government should be listening to the concerns raised by the protesters, many of whom are frustrated by economic mismanagement, rising unemployment, and increasing corruption.

The Special Aide to former President John Dramani Mahama warned that the mounting frustration among ordinary Ghanaians would significantly shape the outcome of the next elections. She predicted that voters would hold the government accountable for its governance failures, including its treatment of those who voice dissent.

Mrs. Mogtari further stressed that the arrests of Democracy Hub protesters serve as a clear reminder of the ruling party's authoritarian tendencies. She cautioned that such actions are a direct attack on the country's democratic principles and that the government's approach to suppressing protests would only fuel voter anger.

"Rather than stop us from exercising our democratic rights, these anti-freedom actions by Akufo-Addo and Bawumia should convince you to look harder at their failures and break through the carefully curated public relations visage they have created," Mrs. Mogtari said.

"They have failed miserably in almost every arena, and rather than listen to the voice of the people, they hide behind the police and the courts."

A fresh group of Democracy Hub protestors were brought before the court in Accra today, under heavy police presence. The busload of youth arrived for their scheduled hearing, marking Day 2 of arraignments for participants in the #OccupyJulorbiHouse demonstrations.

Noticeably absent from the group was #FixTheCountry convenor Oliver Barker-Vormawor, who, according to the police, is currently receiving medical attention at the Police Hospital, along with fellow detainee Fanny Otoo. Both suspects were sent to the hospital after complaining of ill health while in custody.

Barker-Vormawor and Otoo were among the 39 protestors arrested for allegedly engaging in acts of lawlessness during the protests at the 37 Intersection in Accra on September 22 and 23. These individuals, including Barker-Vormawor, made their first court appearance on September 24, 2024. Of the arrested group, 28 were remanded into Police custody, while 11 others were remanded into Prison custody.

The legal proceedings are being led by the Office of the Attorney-General, with 30 of the accused set to reappear before the court on October 8, 2024. The remaining 9 protestors are scheduled for arraignment on October 11, 2024. Police authorities have confirmed that additional suspects from the demonstrations will also face legal action.