Police arrest Leader of Alliance for Restoration of Civil Rights

The Ghana Police Service arrested William Yerenkyi, the founder and leader of the Alliance for Restoration of Civil Rights, on November 13, 2024.

According to Mubarak Ibrahim, the Secretary of the Alliance for Restoration of Civil Rights, William was arrested when he was summoned to the Central Police Station in Accra on November 13, 2024 for a letter.

He explained that the summons related to an impending demonstration initially scheduled for November 7-11, 2024, aimed at protesting alleged inaction on corruption, dereliction of duty, and selective enforcement of the Right to Information Act.

Mubarak stated that upon William's arrival at the police station, he was directed to report to the CID officer in charge of the case, where an altercation occurred, leading to his arrest.

He explained that Yerenkyi is currently in police custody, and his lawyers have been contacted, awaiting further directives.

“They called Yerenkyi and said he had a letter and should come to collect it. He spoke to them on the phone, as sometimes they exchange letters.

“When he arrived at the police station around 3;30 to 4:00 PM, he met with the CID officer in charge of the case, and there was an altercation between them. They arrested him and put him in custody. I visited him this morning, bought him ‘koko,’ and gave him his phone. He called his lawyer, who said he was in court and would return around 10 a.m.

“In the evening that was yesterday, he was given a statement accusing him of coming there to kill the CID officer, despite arriving unarmed. His phones and other belongings are with me. They even slapped me, alleging that Yerenkyi has tarnished the CID officer's name and that he wants to have him dismissed,” Mubarak said in an interview with the media.

It may be recalled that the Ghana Police Service took 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 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 had 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.