Pressure Group Arise Ghana has announced plans to stage an indefinite protest at the frontage of the United States Embassy in Accra.
According to the group, the protest is aimed at demanding the return of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to Ghana to account for his stewardship of the economy during the erstwhile Akufo-Addo administration.
Speaking to Tutuwaa Danso on Starr Today, the Convener of Arise Ghana, Bernard Mornah explained that the group had initially intended to protest without a time limit but was advised otherwise by the police.
“We intend to protest indefinitely. When we met with the Greater Accra Police Command, they requested a time limit. As a result, we agreed to begin with an initial two-week protest, starting at 8:00 a.m. and closing at 4:00 p.m. each day.” he said.
According to him, activities for the day ended earlier than scheduled after the group received information that Mr Ofori-Atta had been sent to court. Some members, he noted, sought to find out whether there was an opportunity to listen to or observe the court proceedings, prompting an early closure at 2:00 p.m.
Mr Mornah stated that the protest would continue the following day, adding that the group hopes to submit a formal petition to the U.S. Embassy by the end of the two-week period if Mr Ofori-Atta is not returned to Ghana.
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He stressed that the group is prepared for a prolonged protest, insisting that they will not relent until Mr Ofori-Atta returns to Ghana to face trial.
According to him, once Mr Ofori-Atta is back and the justice system takes over, the group will pursue the necessary legal steps to ensure due process, including allowing his lawyers to file appropriate applications so he can be released, with the understanding that he will make himself available whenever required by law.
He further disclosed that after the initial two weeks, the group plans to escalate the protest by camping at the frontage of the U.S. Embassy with mosquito nets, cooking utensils, and mattresses, vowing to sleep and bathe there until the United States deports Mr Ofori-Atta or returns him to Ghana to face justice.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Benjamin Sackey
