Keep low profile, avoid crowds – U.S. Embassy cautions citizens as demonstration hits Accra

As leaders from various political parties and other citizens join the Ghana First Patriotic Front in the ‘Put Ghana First’ demonstration, the U.S. Embassy in Ghana has issued an alert to its nationals in the country to among others, avoid the areas of the demonstrations, monitor local media for updates and largely keep a low profile.

The alert which was issued Tuesday night informed Americans in Ghana of the protest at the Police Headquarters which ensued after the arrest of NDC Deputy General Secretary, Koku Anyidoho.

It further speaks of the Ghana First Patriotic Front demonstration which is taking place this morning[Wednesday], asking all US nationals in the country to avoid the routes the demonstrators are expected to use.

The alert reads “exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests” adding that “beware of your surroundings” and “keep a low profile”.

It also provided helplines for any American who finds him or herself caught up in the 'chaos' to call for assistance.

The ‘Put Ghana First’ demonstration is to register the disapproval of many Ghanaians with government’s decision to accept a deal that allows among other things, unrestricted access to a host of facilities and wide-ranging tax exemptions to the United States Military.

Several political party leaders, notably the NDC, at a Press conference Tuesday pledged their support to the demonstration. They also called on all ‘well-meaning’ Ghanaians to join the protest to pressure government to rescind the decision.