An Accra High Court has partially granted the application of the Ghana Police Service against pressure group aligned to the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Arise Ghana over their impending two-day demonstrations set for Tuesday, June 28 to Wednesday, June 29.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Henry Otoo, Director of Police Operations, representing the Police had filed an application to the Criminal Court 4 to stop the group from protesting from 3pm to 10pm because of terrorism and safety concerns.
At the hearing, Counsel for Conveners of Arise Ghana, Edudzi Tameklo mentioned to the court that notice had been served to the Police on June 1 but the Service waited till few days to the protests before raising concerns.
Former National Chairman of the People’s National Convention (PNC), Bernard Mornah, a member of the group filed a 37-points affidavit countering the statement released by the Police.
But the prosecutor, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Sylvester Asare asked the court for adjournment to study the documents since they were served at the court on the day of the hearing.
Without wasting much time, presiding judge, Comfort Tasiameh called for a recess till 11:30am to allow prosecution to study and respond to the affidavit.
However, after resuming, DSP Asare asked the court for further adjournment in order to study the documents.
Lawyer Tameklo prayed the court to dismiss the adjournment indicating that allowing it would set a precedent for the Police to use the tactic to frustrate citizens from going on protests.
Presiding judge Comfort Tasiameh ruled that Arise Ghana proceed with the demonstrations for both days but they are to start at 8am and close at 4pm.
Furtherance to that, they should change their route by converging at Obra Spot at Circle through Farrar Avenue to TUC and end at the Independence Square instead of their proposed venue of the Jubilee House and any petition they want to submit should be received by a representative of the President available.
By Vincent Kubi