Ama Governor was one of many protesters arraigned before the Accra Circuit Court on Tuesday, September 23, 2024.
She, along with others, were denied bail during the proceedings.
Reports indicated that Ama was not involved in the violent incidents that occurred during the protest, adding that she was merely standing on the pavement expressing her sentiments with a placard.
As she was taken to court, she made statements such like, “You’ve held a 26-year-old lawyer in custody for 48 hours. You want to see a 26-year-old lawyer in handcuffs because she said ‘Stop galamsey now’? Splashing our images all around so our parents would see and grieve. 48-hours, no food, no water. You all should be proud. These people are ridiculous. Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery.”
Her detention has since sparked massive reactions on social media, with many arguing that she should not be held in custody.
Other supporters have also praised Ama for her resilience, noting that despite the challenges she has faced, she continues to advocate for her country.
Some netizens have also begun discussing the possibility of drafting petitions to international bodies, believing it may be the only way to amplify their voices.
Background
The protesters were arrested during the #OccupyJulorbiHouse demonstration, which took place over the weekend.
The arrests followed a three-day protest at the 37 Roundabout, where demonstrators raised concerns about illegal small-scale mining (galamsey) and economic mismanagement.
On Sunday, September 22, tensions escalated as a major confrontation occurred between protesters from Democracy Hub and the Ghana Police Service, marking the second day of the demonstrations.
How Ama Governor’s woes begun
In November 2022, Ama Governor was denied a call to the bar following a complaint filed by a ‘concerned citizen’.
The complaint alleged that Ama Governor had been engaging in what was described as “conduct unbecoming of an applicant to be called to bar.”
The complaint led to the decision by the Legal Council to put a hold on her call to bar.
The decision was met with massive reactions both on and off social media as well as debates on the conduct of law students in Ghana.
Ama Governor rejected the allegations of misconduct leveled against her and insisted that she was unfairly treated.
In 2023, Ama Governor was again denied a call to the bar, sparking reactions.
In November 2023, she was cleared to proceed with her bar admission.
Ama Governor dey go sleep jail for 2 weeks cos she dey stand 37 In front, asking for a ban on illegal mining.
posting this so it is never forgotten in the near future
— KALYJAY (@gyaigyimii) September 24, 2024
Ama Governor is a better person than i am because she has really suffered in this country and still shows up for the betterment of the same ghana that’s after her life .
— KB (@Benedytte) September 24, 2024
They can arrest Ama Governor but if all of us come out, they can not arrest all of us #FreetheCitizens #ReOccupyJulorbiHouse
— SelTheBomb (@selthebomb) September 25, 2024
The people who claim to love Ama Governor must stop tweeting and start drafting petitions to international bodies and associations. That’s the only way to be heard.
— Albert Nat Hyde ™ (@1BongoIdeas) September 24, 2024
When the fight for justice turns into a fight for freedom. Ama Governor arrested during peaceful protest—her voice may be silenced, but the movement only grows louder. #FreeAmaGovernor #JusticeForAll
🎥 @gyaigyimii pic.twitter.com/xls29cxcpx
— Net2tvgh (@net2tvgh) September 24, 2024
You would think this is a joke. While we were asleep the likes of @Ama_governor were unlawfully detained without bail. If you still have hope in this system, then it’s up to you. Chale, no rule of law! https://t.co/xUoUnn7JRA
— Fobi Asiedu-Danquah (@fobi4eva) September 24, 2024
EB/AE