President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has praised the Ghana Police Service for their commendable professionalism in managing the Democracy Hub demonstrators.

He noted that the police displayed a high level of professionalism despite facing significant provocation from the protesters.

“I want to commend the Ghana Police Service for exhibiting a high level of professionalism and restraint during the recent three-day protest against Galamsey by some individuals. We note some excesses and provocations that occurred during the demonstration, and the GJA condemns these excesses,” the GJA President said in his address at the 75th GJA Awards in Accra.

In a related development, former Deputy Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine has criticized the actions of the demonstrators. In an interview with TV3 on Saturday, September 28, he highlighted that although the constitution protects the right to protest, violence has no place in such activities.

Dr. Ayine emphasized the importance of peaceful demonstrations as a cornerstone of democracy, noting that the violent actions of some protesters undermine their own cause.

He argued that such behavior only heightens tensions and complicates the relationship between citizens and law enforcement.

“The blocking of traffic is condemnable, the attempt to engage in fisticuffs with police is something that we should condemn. Having said that, I do not think that the activities they engaged in are sufficient reasons you say they should be detained without bail. That is where my concern is”.