- Kelvyn Boy backs #FreeTheCitizens, urges Bawumia to free protesters
- Democracy Hub demos lead to mass arrests, public backlash
- Singer warns gov't actions may hurt NPP's election prospects
Ghanaian Afrobeats and Highlife singer Kelvyn Boy has publicly aligned himself with the #FreeTheCitizens movement, urging Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to intervene in the recent arrests of individuals connected to protests. The detainees were remanded into police and prison custody and are set to appear in court on October 8th and 11th, 2024.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) dated September 25, Kelvyn Boy directly challenged Dr. Bawumia, stating, “Your time to make a difference is now! #FreetheCitizens.” He expressed concern that failure to act could jeopardize the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) chances in the upcoming presidential elections on December 7.
The singer criticized the government’s approach to the situation, claiming it could hinder their candidate’s campaign. “This government led by Nana Addo is making it more and more difficult for their next candidate to win in December. Where did citizens go wrong?” he remarked.
The arrests stemmed from a three-day protest organized by the Democracy Hub, led by activist Oliver Baker-Vormawor. Notably, viral videos captured Baker-Vormawor turning off a police truck’s ignition and walking away with the keys, leading to his immediate arrest.
Protesters took to the streets, obstructing traffic by lying on mats, sitting on tree branches, and placing stones in the road, urging both private and commercial drivers to find alternative routes. Footage from the courthouse revealed detainees asserting their innocence regarding various charges of public disorder.
Among those arrested were individuals who claimed to be innocent bystanders, including a man reportedly returning from church, a pregnant woman, and bus conductors who insisted they had no involvement in the unrest.
