We cannot oversee a demonstration that has protestors marching with weapons – Police
The Accra Regional Police Command has announced its inability to shepherd a three-day demonstration being organised by a group of aggrieved citizens.
Signing the statement on behalf of the Regional Public Affairs Unit, Chief Inspector Bright Kwabena Danso revealed that on Sunday, a group of persons, including Okatakyie Afrifa Mensah, Captain Godsbrain Smart, Benjamin Darko, and Oliver Barker-Vormawor gave notice to the police on a demonstration they want to embark on from Saturday, June 4.
He highlighted that among other things, the notice indicated the following:
- That the demonstrators intend to embark on a three-day demonstration, starting on 4th June 2022.
- That the demonstrators intend to contract a private security company to provide protection for the demonstrators.
- That the demonstrators and the contracted private security personnel will be armed with weapons.
- That the armed demonstrators will picket at the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) and the Ghana Police Headquarters.
- That at the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), they will demand to speak directly to the nation on GTV and lay out their grievances.
He noted that after careful consideration, the Police said it is willing to provide the necessary protection for any lawful demonstration in the country but not this one.
According to him, the nature and character of the demonstration as intended by the conveners is inconsistent with the Public Order Act.
“We are therefore 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,” the police noted.
He further noted that the Service has 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 the streets with weapons.”
Source: Ghana News
