The Ghana Police Service says it would be unable to provide protection for a three-day protest commencing June 4 due to the risk of disrupting public order and safety.
The police have also requested that the group, which includes broadcasters Captain Smart and Okatakyie Afrifa, as well as the convener of the #FixTheCountry campaign, Oliver Barker-Vormawor and Benjamin Darko, reconsider their idea and organize a lawful and peaceful demonstration.
In a news statement made on June 1, 2022, the Police stated that while they were happy to offer protection for any authorized rally in the country, the form of this demonstration was in violation of the Public Order Act.
The Police, in a statement signed by Chief Inspector Bright Kwabena Danso, also stated that the protestors notified police on May 29 of their plan to hold a three-day protest beginning June 4, 2022.
According to the Police, the group told them of their intention to engage a private security company to provide security during the protest.
It was also stated that the protestors urged that they, together with private security personnel, be equipped with weapons and picket at the Ghana Police Headquarters and the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC).
According to the police announcement, the protestors at the GBC demanded to speak directly to the country on GTV to air their issues.
“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 release said.
“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,” the statement said.
SOURCE: GRAPHIC ONLINE
