The Ghana Police Service has warned leaders of the Democracy Hub that lawful measures will be used to maintain order after the protesters blocked roads and caused inconvenience to commuters on day one of their protest.
The Police in a statement on Sunday, September 22, stated that following a dispute between the Ghana Police Service and the Democracy Hub over the choice of location for their planned demonstration, the Police launched a special operation to safeguard safety, security, law, and order in the city.
This disagreement led to road blockades and traffic diversions across parts of Accra, affecting commuters and disrupting daily activities.
Officers from the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) were dispatched to manage the affected routes and assist drivers and pedestrians alike.
However, despite efforts to maintain order, Democracy Hub demonstrators unlawfully occupied the 37 Intersection, engaging in acts that caused severe inconvenience to the public.
The demonstrators reportedly blocked the intersection with vehicles and stones, set fires in the middle of the road, harassed other road users, and even played football in the streets. Police officers were also abused during the disruption, and protesters were seen banging on vehicles, further escalating the situation.
The unlawful actions brought traffic to a standstill, leaving commuters trapped for hours. Individuals in need of urgent medical attention struggled to reach hospitals, and families visiting sick loved ones at nearby medical facilities faced significant delays.
People attending funerals and other important cultural events, as well as commercial activities, were also disrupted. Some travellers even missed their flights due to the chaos, and many businesses were affected by the inability of customers to access them.
In response, the Police expressed concerns that the demonstrators did not intend to carry out a peaceful protest, given the extent of disruption caused. They emphasized that these actions were not only unlawful but also un-Ghanaian and uncivil, as they brought significant hardship to the general public.
As a result, the Police issued a stern warning to the organizers, insisting that any future demonstrations must not take place at the 37 Intersection. They urged the protesters to consider any of the seven alternate locations proposed by the Police, where the authorities would be available to provide the necessary security.
The Police further cautioned that if the organizers attempt to hold a protest at the 37 Intersection again or any other unauthorized location, the authorities would use all lawful means to ensure free traffic flow and prevent undue inconvenience to the public.
In conclusion, the Ghana Police Service thanked the public for their cooperation during the operation and assured them of their continued efforts to maintain law, security, and order across the city.
