The Ghana Police Service has cautioned leaders of Democracy Hub that lawful measures will be employed to maintain order following disruptions caused by their protest.
On Sunday, September 22, the Police released a statement outlining concerns after day one of the demonstration led to road blockades and inconvenience for commuters.
According to the Police, a disagreement over the location of the planned demonstration resulted in a special operation being launched to ensure public safety, security, and the maintenance of law and order in Accra. However, the situation escalated as protesters blocked roads and diverted traffic, causing significant disruptions in parts of the city.
Officers from the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) were deployed to manage the affected routes, assisting both drivers and pedestrians. Despite these efforts, demonstrators unlawfully occupied the 37 Intersection, engaging in actions that severely inconvenienced the public.
Protesters reportedly blocked the road using vehicles and stones, lit fires in the streets, harassed road users, and even played football on the roads. Police officers attempting to manage the situation were subjected to abuse, while protesters banged on vehicles, further escalating tensions.
In their statement, the Police expressed concern about the conduct of demonstrators, stating that the extent of the disruption indicated a lack of intent to hold a peaceful protest. They condemned the actions as unlawful, un-Ghanaian, and uncivil, noting the hardship caused to the public.
The Police issued a firm warning to the organizers, insisting that future demonstrations must not take place at the 37 Intersection. They urged the group to select one of the seven alternative locations proposed by the authorities, where security could be provided.
The Police further warned that any attempts to protests at unauthorized locations would be met with lawful actions to ensure the free flow of traffic and prevent unnecessary public inconvenience.
The Ghana Police Service thanked the public for their cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining law, security, and order throughout the city.