The convenors of the ‘Fix the Country’ movement have disclosed that they will not accept the instruments which provides the Police with the authority to deny their request to demonstrate.
According to the group, they have examined the Executive Instrument closely and have realized that the Instrument “is no longer in force”.
In a press release, the conveners further asserted that, the imposition of coronavirus restrictions’ is also a dud. It further suggested that the ban on public gatherings among others also is “no longer in force”.
“As such, we cannot accept that. That instrument provides the Police with the authority to deny requests for the exercise of rights under Article 21(d) and (f) of the 1992 Constitution, on the basis stated or any other basis”.
This release comes days after the Ghana Police Service stated that it cannot sanction the planned demonstration.
No instrument exists to deny protest
The conveners averred that they have tried to find other legal instrument which legitimises the Police denial. According to the group, they have “not found any such instrument” which justifies the Police stance on the matter.
“We have examined this Executive Instrument closely and have formed the view that that Instrument which was adopted under the hand of the President on 1st February 2020 is also no longer in force”.
Additionally, the conveners of the protest revealed that, their team conducted a search at the Ghana Assembly Press. It disclosed that, “they were unable to furnish us” with any new Law similar to those under the defunct Imposition of Restrictions.
Ghana Police secures injunction
The Ghana Police Service has however, secured an injunction against the planned protest by the ‘fix the country’ conveners. The Police filed a motion seeking an injunction against the planned protest.
The court ruled that the planned protest is prohibited until the restriction on public gathering is lifted.
“It is hereby ordered that the organizers/conveners of Fix the country protest march, their associates, officers, agents, assigns, and workmen are prohibited from embarking on any demonstration on Sunday, 9th May 2021, or any other date until the restriction on public gatherings is lifted by the appropriate authority”.
Meanwhile, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has assured Ghanaians of government’s resolve to address economic situation.
Dr. Bawumia has urged Ghanaians to remain calm as the Akufo-Addo-led administration is noted for fixing challenges. According to him, the dire effects of coronavirus would be no exception to the incumbent government.
“We are four months into our four-year mandate. The job of government is to fix problems. This is what we have been doing since 2017. The COVID-19 pandemic has slowed down the global economy and caused increases in prices of commodities…
“Nevertheless, it is very important to place the performance of our government over the last four years after inheriting an economy with ‘no meat on the bone’ on record.”
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