The Youth Wing of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has in a statement alleged that the Ghana Police Service has been reduced from a security service to “a mere puppet” of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).

This follows the arrest of some persons who joined the protests organised by Democracy Hub.

The protest was to mount pressure on the government to adopt swift measures to halt illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey in the country.

However, the police arrested many protesters, put them before the court and remanded them for unlawful assembly. The NDC has since condemned the police's handling of the protestors.

• Read also: NDC condemns manhandling and remand of Democracy Hub protesters

“The Youth wing of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) strongly condemns the continued abuse of police power by the Akufo-Addo government. This has reduced the police to the Ghana Police Service to a mere puppet of the ruling New Patriotic Party,” portions of the September 25 release read.

Further, the group described the NPP as intolerant of individuals attempting to speak truth to power.

“The NPP, led by Dr Bawumia, has been unable to handle sustained patriotic protests, revealing this administration’s deep failures. In response to protests, the government has used the police force to suppress dissent rather than address legitimate concerns raised,” the statement added.

• Read also: Lawyers struggle to locate 46 protesters arrested during Democracy Hub demonstration

The youth wing also accused the NPP of abusing ex-parte procedures and curtailing the rights of citizens to engage in peaceful demonstrations.  

They therefore called on Ghanaians and international organisations to speak against police intimidation and protect the constitution of the land.

“We call on all Ghanaians, civil society organisations and the international community to stand firm against these growing threats to our democracy. It is our duty to protect the future of this country, and we must resist any attempts by the ruling party to silence the voices of the people,” the release added.