The Ghana Police Service has held a crucial meeting with Democracy Hub, the organizers of a planned demonstration, to address security concerns and ensure compliance with a recent court order.
The meeting, held this morning, centered around the court’s prohibition of any demonstration at Revolution Square, near the Jubilee House, citing public defense, public safety, public health, and the maintenance of essential services as key concerns.
During the engagement, Democracy Hub organizers acknowledged having received the court order, which was issued to prevent demonstrations at the sensitive location.
In response, the police requested alternative locations for the demonstration, and the organizers suggested several prominent areas, including the 37 Roundabout, Airport Roundabout, Opeibea Intersection, Stanbic Heights, Christ the King, and the Arko Adjei Interchange.
However, after a security assessment, the police deemed these locations inappropriate, expressing concern that holding the demonstration at any of the proposed areas could endanger public defense, safety, health, and the running of essential services.
In an effort to reach a compromise, the police offered the organizers seven alternative locations for consideration: the Cantonments Post Office-DVLA stretch, the VAG Association junction-MTN Head Office on Liberation Road, the El Wak side park, Obra Spot, Kawkudi Park, Efua Sutherland Park, and the frontage of the Trade Fair.
Unfortunately, the organizers refused these suggestions, and no agreement was reached.
The police are now appealing to Democracy Hub to reconsider their stance and select one of the proposed venues to avoid further complications.
They also urged the public to engage with the organizers and encourage a peaceful resolution.
Security Concerns Raised
Meanwhile, intelligence gathered by the police ahead of the planned demonstration has raised serious security concerns.
According to the police, some demonstrators are reportedly planning to defy the court order and the directives issued by law enforcement, posing significant risks to public safety. Specific threats identified by the police include:
Defying the court order and police directives in violation of the Public Order Act, 1994 (Act 491)
Carrying weapons, including firearms, and wearing bulletproof vests and helmets
Attacking Members of Parliament and other state officials
Attacking police officers on duty
Targeting critical installations, including the seat of government and electric power infrastructure
Encouraging participants to arm themselves with catapults and stones
Using motorbikes to cause chaos on roads, disrupting public order
Storming business centers with the intent to cause mayhem
The police have strongly urged the organizers to caution their members against engaging in any unlawful activities and to abide by the provisions of the Public Order Act and other national laws.
Police Prepared for Any Security Situation
In light of the intelligence gathered, the Ghana Police Service has assured the public that they have put in place adequate security measures to manage any potential threats that may arise during the planned demonstration.
The police have reiterated their commitment to maintaining peace, law, and order, and called on the public to cooperate with law enforcement in ensuring the security of the nation.
“We would like to call on the good people of this country to support the police to maintain law and order, ensure security, and preserve the peace of our beloved country,” the statement read.
The situation remains tense, and the outcome of the planned protest will depend on the decisions made by Democracy Hub and their members in the coming days.
The police have made it clear that any breach of the law will not be tolerated, and the organizers will be held accountable for any disruptions caused during the demonstration.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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