The Ghana Police Service, led by IGP Akuffo Dampare, met with the leaders of Democracy Hub group in Accra today following a demonstration that was staged on Thursday, 21st September, 2023.
Ghana Police Service, through IGP Dampare, made it clear to the leaders of the group that they are not against demonstration in Ghana. However, the location that was picked by the demonstrators was a security zone. The Police charged the leaders to do the needful next time.
The leaders of the demonstrators also assured the Ghana Police Service that they will speak to their members to see if they are ready to change the venue of the demonstration.
Aside this, the leaders again promised the police that its members will be made to leave the street as they look for alternative venue or otherwise.
Below is the full statement of the Ghana Police Service
1. The Police, at the instance of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, today 22nd September 2023, convened a meeting with some leaders of the Democracy Hub group to address concerns regarding their planned demonstration at the
Jubilee House.
2. At the meeting, the Police reechoed that the Service is not against any person or a group of persons who want to demonstrate it has a track record of providing security for demonstrations in the past. However, in this instant case, the Police concern was the location of the intended demonstration, the Jubilee House, which is a designated security
Zone.
3. The leaders of the group assured the Police during the meeting that they would hold a discussion with their members to come to a possible compromise as to the venue of the demonstration and revert to the Police.
4. The leaders also assured the Police that they would talk to their members to leave the streets while awaiting either a compromise decision between the Police and the demonstrators on an alternative venue or the determination of the matter by the court.
5. It was established at the meeting that there is no evidence or reported case of assault against the demonstrators according to Police records. Therefore, anyone with evidence to the contrary should provide it for investigation.
6. We would like to assure the public that the Police Service is dedicated to fostering democratic environment where citizens’ rights are upheld while maintaining the security and stability of the nation.