The Ghana Police Service says they are ready for the Democracy Hub demonstration if the organizers change their proposed location.
In a statement, the Ghana Police Service indicated that throughout its engagement with the Democracy Hub assured them of the readiness of the Police to provide the necessary security for the planned protest.
“For purposes of emphasis, we wish to state categorically, that the Ghana Police Service has not stopped Democracy Hub from embarking on the planned protest. The only disagreement is on their choice of the Revolution Square, in front of the Jubilee House as the location for the protest.
“The Service has put in place sufficient measures to provide security for the exercise from 21st to 23rd September when a new location is agreed between the organizers and the Police. This has been duly communicated in a letter to the organizers and we look forward to agreeing on a new location to enable the organizers to exercise their democratic right to protest”, the police service stated.
Below is the full statement
POLICE STATEMENT ON PLANNED DEMONSTRATION BY DEMOCRACY HUB
The Ghana Police Service on 9th July, 2024, received notice from the Democracy Hub of a planned protest by way of picketing from 21st to 23rd September, 2024 at the Revolution Square in front of the Jubilee House.
In line with the provisions of the Public Oder Act, 1994 (Act 491), the Police conducted an assessment of the proposed location for the picketing. Following the assessment, the Police concluded that holding the protests at the Revolutionary Square could affect public oder, endanger public defence, public safety and public health.
As a result, in the interest of public defence, public order, public safety and the running of essential services, the Police engaged the organizers and requested them to consider an alternative location for the picketing.
However, the organizers refused to consider an alternative location and insisted on picketing at the Revolutionary Square. The Police was therefore compelled to take the matter to the court for a determination.
Yesterday, 18th September, 2024 the High Court granted an order to prohibit Democracy Hub from embarking on the demonstration at the Revolution Square from the 21st to 23rd September, 2024.
The Ghana Police Service throughout its engagement with the Democracy Hub assured them of the readiness of the Police to provide the necessary security for the planned protest.
For purposes of emphasis, we wish to state categorically, that the Ghana Police Service has not stopped Democracy Hub from embarking on the planned protest. The only disagreement is on their choice of the Revolution Square, in front of the Jubilee House as the location for the protest. The Service has put in place sufficient measures to provide security for the exercise from 21st to 23rd September when a new location is agreed between the organizers and the Police. This has been duly communicated in a letter to the organizers and we look forward to agreeing on a new location to enable the organizers to exercise their democratic right to protest.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM