The Ghana Police Service has denied claims that they arrested a 12-year-old child, a 68-year-old woman, and a pregnant woman during the recent Democracy Hub protests in Accra. In a statement issued on Thursday, September 26, 2024, the police clarified that the reports are false and urged the public to disregard the misleading information.
According to the police, one of the women identified during the protest, Grace Asantewaa, is 50 years old, not 68 as previously reported. She was questioned after being found with the 12-year-old child at the demonstration. The police provided food for the child and later granted Asantewaa police enquiry bail, allowing her to go home with the minor.
The police also addressed the rumors surrounding the arrest of a pregnant woman. They stated that there was no visible sign of pregnancy at the time of the arrest, and the suspect, Gloria Vera Louise, did not mention her pregnancy during interactions with the police or in court. Medical examinations conducted at the Police Hospital and an independent health facility confirmed that Louise was not pregnant.
Additionally, the police cautioned against exposing minors to potential dangers, citing the arrest of Grace Asantewaa for exposing a child to danger by bringing her to the protest, which violates section 71 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
The Ghana Police Service emphasized the importance of keeping children out of dangerous situations and advised the public to be mindful of involving minors in protests and other high-risk activities.