Police and Minority at Loggerheads over Planned Demonstration Route

Accra, 23rd August, 2023 – The Ghana Police Service has issued a statement regarding a planned public protest by the Minority in Parliament. The protest, organized in collaboration with others, aims to demand the resignation of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and Board of Directors of the Bank of Ghana.

The Accra Regional Command received a notice of the public protest on 21st August, 2023, from the office of the Minority Leader. In the letter, the organizers outlined the proposed route for the demonstration, which includes starting from the frontage of Parliament House and passing through various locations such as Osu cemetery traffic light, Ministry of Finance, High Court Complex, Kinbu, Makola, Rawlings Park, Opera Square, and Bank of Ghana.

Upon receipt of the notice, the Police conducted a security assessment of the chosen routes and the destination for the picketing. As a result of this assessment, on 23rd August, 2023, the Command engaged with the organizers and assured them that the Police are prepared to provide the necessary security for the protest, as it is a constitutional right.

However, the Police drew the attention of the organizers to the potential risks associated with using the selected routes, including endangering public order and public safety. In the interest of maintaining public order, public safety, and the smooth running of essential services, the Police requested the organizers to consider relocating the routes and destination of the picketing.

The Police are now awaiting a response from the organizers to determine the next steps and provide them with the required security during the protest.

The Ghana Police Service would like to assure the public that we remain committed to fulfilling our mandate and working together to strengthen our democratic credentials as a country.