Amnesty International Ghana launched the “Protect the Protest” campaign during the National Dialogue on Protest on Tuesday, 26th March 2024, at the Fiesta Royale Hotel in Accra.
The event aimed to address the increasing threats to the right to protest in Ghana and attracted a host of dignitaries, including the Deputy Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Hon. Diana Asonaba Dapaah Esq, Associate Professor of Law at Ashesi University, Prof. Maame A.S Mensa-Bonsu, Professor Vincent Adzhalie-Mensah from the University of Winneba, lawyer and Human Rights Activist, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, ace journalist, Bridget Otoo, ace journalist and lawyer, Sampson Lardy Ayenini, Head of the market women group, Hon. Mercy Needjan, and various stakeholders from civil society organizations and student leaders from selected tertiary institutions.
The event, hosted by renowned journalist Ama Pratt, was spearheaded by the Country Director of Amnesty International Ghana, Ms. Genevieve Partington, the Board Chair of Amnesty International Ghana, Mr. Francis Nyantakyi, and staff of AI Ghana.
In her opening remarks, Ms. Partington expressed concern over the suppression of protests in Ghana and emphasized the campaign’s goal to ensure that people can participate in peaceful protests and have their voices heard safely. She highlighted AI Ghana’s support systems for protestors, including training on protest observation and a documentary on the history of protests in Ghana among many other initiatives.
At Amnesty, we will be supporting protest organisers to ensure clear messaging, emphasize the importance of non-violence and set clear guidelines for conduct during protests. Protesters themselves can monitor for suspicious behaviour and report any individuals inciting violence to organizers or authorities. Amnesty will also train protesters on best practices for protest observation.
Genevieve Partington, Country Director AIG
The Board Chair Francis Nyantakyi in his address reiterated that protest is a fundamental right, not a privilege, guaranteed by human rights charters worldwide, adding that this fact is what motivates the work of AI Ghana as the leading human rights organization in Ghana to spearhead discussions on protecting the right to protest. The Board Chair, along with the Country Director and other high-profile personalities then officially launched the “Protect the Protest” campaign.
Hon. Diana Asonaba Dapaah, Esq, in her keynote address, emphasized the importance of protecting civil rights and freedom of expression and highlighted the presidency’s support for the campaign.
A panel discussion followed with Oliver Barker-Vormawor Esq, Bridget Otoo, Prof. Maame A.S Mensa-Bonsu, Prof. Vincent Adzhalie-Mensah, and moderator Sampson Lardy Ayenini. They shared personal experiences and accounts on protests in Ghana, emphasizing citizens’ right to protest freely. The discussion also provided insights into how journalists and citizens should behave during protests, encouraging audience engagement.
The event concluded with closing remarks from Mr. Francis Nyantakyi who reiterated the importance of protecting the right to dissent, and expressed optimism that the dialogue would allow for further discussions on the right to protest. The “Protect the Protest” campaign is part of Amnesty International’s global effort to protect people’s right to dissent, stand up for democracy, protect freedom of speech, and demand justice for all.