Some nine suspects arrested during Tuesday's demonstration against lithium mining in the Effutu Ramsar site have appeared before the Agona Swedru Circuit Court in the Central Region.

The nine appeared before the court on Wednesday, 6 December 2023.

Their pleas were, however, not taken.

The prosecution team prayed the court to remand the suspects into police custody on grounds that there were more suspects who were at large and the matter was still being investigated.

According to the prosecution, if granted bail, the suspects, who know the whereabouts of the ones at large, could interfere with the investigations.

The court, however, admitted the suspects to bail, noting the suspects could still assist with investigations while on bail.

Some residents of Winneba allegedly pelted police officers with stones during Tuesday's demonstration against lithium mining in the Effutu Ramsar site, leaving three personnel injured. 

The injured officers were rushed to the Winneba Trauma and Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

Ten demonstrators were arrested in connection with the incident. 

The demonstration, led by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary Candidate, James Kofi Annan, aimed at kicking against lithium-mining plans for the sacred Effutu Forest Reserve. 

“We won’t allow it to happen. This is not about politics. It’s about the people, the youth who will not allow this to happen,” Mr Annan told journalists.

The incident occurred when police officers attempted to prevent the demonstrators from entering the Effutu Municipality, resulting in the officers being stoned by the angry crowd. 

Four civilians were also reported to have sustained injuries during the clashes.