Two political activist groups, the Fixing the Country Movement and the Patriotic Troopers, Ghana, have announced their plans to stage a public demonstration on Tuesday, September 17, 2024.
The protest aims to counter what the groups describe as the "unfair targeting" of the Electoral Commission (EC) by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
In a formal notice addressed to Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, Inspector General of Police, the protest organizers cited Article 21(1)(d) and (f) of the 1992 Constitution, asserting their constitutional right to peacefully assemble.
The letter also referenced Section 1 of the Public Order Act (Act 491), which requires a five-day notification to police authorities prior to any public event.
The demonstration, which will begin at Afua Sutherland Park at 9:00 AM, is scheduled to move through key locations in the capital.
The route will pass by the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ), the Police Headquarters traffic, and the Aliu Mahama Junction, before culminating at the offices of the Electoral Commission.
The organizers believe the protest is necessary to push back against the NDC’s accusations of bias and undue interference against the EC.
According to the Fixing the Country Movement's Convener, Ernest Kofi Owusu-Bempah, the NDC has been "unduly attacking the integrity of the Electoral Commission" in recent months, a narrative they believe needs to be corrected.
"As citizens who believe in public accountability and democratic institutions, it is our duty to stand up and defend the EC from these baseless accusations," Owusu-Bempah stated.
Moses Abbor, Convener for the Patriotic Troopers, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the importance of safeguarding the nation's democratic institutions.
"Our democracy cannot thrive if key institutions like the Electoral Commission are constantly undermined. It is our responsibility as patriots to expose the modus operandi of the NDC, which we believe is working to sabotage public trust in the EC," Abbor added.
The protest is expected to draw significant attention, with the groups calling on other civil society organizations and patriotic Ghanaians to join them in their quest to "protect the country's democratic foundations."
While the opposition NDC has not officially responded to the planned demonstration, it remains to be seen how this protest will influence the ongoing political debate surrounding the Electoral Commission’s role as the country inches closer to the 2024 general elections.
The NDC has been vocal in its criticism of the EC, accusing it of bias and calling for reforms ahead of the elections.
In the face of rising political tensions, both groups stressed that the demonstration will be peaceful and in full compliance with the law.
However, with emotions running high on both sides, this protest could further heighten the political discourse as Ghana prepares for another heated election season.
This protest may serve as a critical flashpoint in the ongoing struggle between the NDC and the defenders of the Electoral Commission, with potential repercussions on public opinion and the future of Ghana's electoral system.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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