William Yirenkyi, founder and leader for Alliance for Restoration of Civil Rights
The Ghana Police Service has taken legal action to prevent a five-day protest organized by the Alliance for Restoration of Civil Rights, citing security concerns and potential disruptions to public order.
The demonstration which was set to take place from November 7-11, 2024, aimed at protesting alleged inaction on corruption, dereliction of duty, and selective enforcement of the Right to Information Act.
The police have submitted a motion to the High Court in Accra, invoking Section 1(6) of the Public Order Act, 1994 (Act 491), which allows for the prohibition of demonstrations under specific conditions.
Chief Inspector Richard Asamoah, representing the Inspector-General of Police, has stated that the chosen locations Right to Information Commission Headquarters, Revolution Square, and the National Police Headquarters are high-security zones.
“Motion on notice to prohibit the holding of a special event.
“Take notice that this Honourable Court shall be moved by Counsel for and on behalf of the Applicant herein praying this Honourable Court for an order prohibiting the respondent from holding an intended demonstration from 7th November 2024 to 11th November 2024 at the Right to Information Commission Headquarters through the Revolution Square to the National Police Headquarters upon the grounds contained in the accompanying affidavit and for such further order(s) as this Honourable Court may deem fit,” part of the court papers sighted said.
The affidavit claims the protest poses a risk to public safety, especially given the proximity to Jubilee House, the seat of Ghana’s presidency.
The police also expressed concerns over the timing of the protest, which coincides with National Farmer’s Day celebrations, adding strain to police resources.
They have argued that the protest could disrupt essential services, potentially compromise public order, and infringe on the rights of others.
The Alliance for Restoration of Civil Rights had previously engaged with the police regarding their protest plans.
The police command stated that the group had not provided clearance to use Revolution Square, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Ghana Armed Forces.
As the court prepares to hear the motion on November 13, 2024, the police request that the demonstration be limited to a single day and relocated to a less sensitive area.
The demonstration, titled "Operation Crime Scene Invasion," aims to bring attention to what ARCR describes as systemic corruption, dereliction of duty, obstruction of justice, and selective enforcement of laws by these entities.
The group has organized the demonstration in response to the Ghana Police Service's inaction on a September 6, 2024 petition, which ARCR claims outlined unresolved complaints against specific officers and alleged misconduct involving high-ranking officials.
The protest also addresses issues in previous communications, including several petitions regarding criminal cases and alleged human rights violations.
AM/KA
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