IGP Dr. George Akuffo-Dampare
The Ghana Police Service has issued a stern warning to members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of their planned street protest against the Electoral Commission (EC).
The NDC has announced plans to demonstrate against the EC over alleged anomalies in the voters’ register in the lead-up to the December 2024 elections.
However, the police have cautioned party members to conduct themselves peacefully and avoid any form of misbehaviour, adding that anyone who engages in unlawful behaviour will be held accountable.
Addressing the media yesterday, the Director of Public Affairs, ACP Grace Ansah-Akrofi, stated that the police had put in place comprehensive security measures for the planned demonstration on September 17, 2024, across all 16 regions.
The Police Service has engaged extensively with the leadership of both the NDC and the EC in preparation for the event, according to the police spokesperson.
“The organisers of the demonstration have been duly informed of their responsibilities under Section 3 of the Public Order Act, 1994 (Act 491),” she added.
Section 3 (1) of the Public Order Act, 1994 (Act 491) says, “Where at any special event any damage is caused to any public property, the organisers, or any other persons found to have been responsible for the damage caused shall be liable to pay for the cost of the damage.”
“(2) Any person taking part in a special event shall obey the directions of police officers to safeguard the proper movement of other persons and vehicles and generally maintain order.
“(3) Any person taking part in a special event shall conduct himself in such a manner as to avoid causing confusion, disorder, or obstruction of traffic,” she read.
“The organisers have been reminded of their duty to comply with all laws, and they will be held responsible for any breaches,” ACP Ansah-Akrofi emphasised.
The police warned that any form of misconduct, violence, or destruction of property will not be tolerated, and perpetrators will face swift action.
“We assure the public that the police will maintain security, law, and order throughout this period and beyond,” she noted.
Agreed Routes
The police announced the approved routes for the NDC demonstration in Accra and the 15 other regions.
For the Accra routes, ACP Ansah-Akrofi said the protest march would begin at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle through to Fairsco Traffic Light, Trades Union Congress (TUC), National Theatre, Accra Sports Stadium, Military Cemetery Traffic Light, Parliament House, and end at the EC Head Office.
For the regional routes, the police said they had communicated the approved routes for the other 15 regions to the NDC organisers.
Notice to Police
The NDC had earlier notified the Greater Accra Regional Command of their intention to demonstrate against the EC.
The General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, stated that the demonstration aims to demand a “free, fair, transparent, and peaceful election” on December 7.
The party has alleged that the EC is planning to rig the elections in favour of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
In their statement to the police, the NDC said, “In line with the Public Order Act 1994 (Act 491), we wish to serve notice of our intended peaceful public manifestation and request adequate security arrangements.”
BY Prince Fiifi Yorke