The Ghana Police Service has announced that it has put in place adequate security measures ahead of a planned demonstration by a group known as Concerned Citizens Against Galamsey, slated for 3rd to 5th October 2024 in Accra.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by ACP Grace Ansah-Akrofi, Director of Public Affairs at the Ghana Police Service, on 26th September 2024.
According to the statement, the protest will take the form of a procession starting from Okponglo, near the University of Ghana Sports Stadium, and will end at the Accra Sports Stadium car park.
The routes for the demonstration were agreed upon following engagement between the police and the organizers.
The detailed route includes moving from Okponglo Traffic Light through Shiashie/Standard Authority Traffic Light, continuing towards Shangrila to the Airport Traffic Light, then turning right towards Association International School.
The procession will further pass the National Service Secretariat, merge onto Kawukudi Traffic Intersection, and proceed along the Kanda Highway to Accra High School Junction.
From there, the protest will pass through the Electoral Commission Office, Ridge Hospital, the AU Roundabout, and Parliament House, before concluding at the Accra Sports Stadium.
During discussions with the organizers, the police reminded them of their obligations under the Public Order Act.
These responsibilities include ensuring that participants obey police directions to safeguard public safety and property, avoid causing traffic obstruction, and maintain order throughout the demonstration.
The organizers were also informed that they would be held accountable for any damage to public property.
ACP Grace Ansah-Akrofi emphasized that the police are also bound by responsibilities under the Public Order Act, which include directing the routes of the demonstration to prevent traffic disruptions, dispersing crowds if a breach of the peace occurs, and implementing necessary road closures or barriers to maintain public order.
“The Ghana Police Service wishes to assure the public that sufficient security measures have been put in place to maintain law and order and ensure peace and security during the demonstration and beyond,” the statement concluded.
The police called on the general public to cooperate with them during the demonstration to ensure a peaceful and orderly protest.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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