June 4 demonstration: Demand for private security not justified – Security analyst
Security analyst, Dr. Adam Bonaa, has stated that the demand for private security for the three-day #FixTheCountry protest to be held from June, 4th is unjustified.
According to him, such demands “will not be justified anywhere in any country.”
“It is not allowed, to go on a demonstration of this nature and request that because you don’t trust the State security apparatus, you are going to contract your own private security and arm yourself, because you don’t trust the security agencies, I find it very difficult to understand,” he said.
#FixTheCountry served a notice to the Police on their decision to embark on a demonstration against the Agyapa deal, cessation of the Achimota Forest Reserve and not to tamper with the country’s security.
In their notice, they requested to be allowed to contract armed private security personnel to protect the demonstrators.
But the Police in a statement noted that they are unable to provide security for a demonstration which is in flagrant violation of the Public Order Act, 1994 (Act 49) and has the potential to result in a breach of public order and public safety.
According to the Police, they have reached out to the organisers to reconsider their proposal and work with the Police towards the organisation of a lawful, peaceful and successful demonstration.
“We wish to assure the public that in the interest of public safety and security, the Police are putting in place all necessary measures to ensure that unauthorised persons do not march on the streets with weapons.”
Speaking in an interview on The Pulse on Wednesday, Dr. Bonaa stated that although the #FixTheCountry Group may have some legitimate valid concerns in their request, how they want to achieve it and “their point of departure for me, is likely to throw this country into some chaos.”
Therefore, he believes that the Police’s action is in the right direction. He also urged the Police to be firm and resolute in their stance.
“So for me, as far as I am concerned, I will say that the Police should not allow them to go on such a demonstration,” he said.
Meanwhile, #FixTheCountry coalition has responded to the Accra Regional Police Command, saying it is not a lawless group of citizens.
One of the leading members of the coalition, Okatakyie Afrifa Mensah said the view expressed by the Police should be rejected.
Source: Ghana News
