Convenor of the #FixTheCountry protest, Barker H Vogues, has questioned the decision by the Ghana Police Service to permit the Youth Wing of National Democratic Congress (NDC) to embark on its July 6 protest.
Contained in a Facebook post, the #FixTheCountry convenor noted that, the Ghana Police Service has been choosy in applying the law.
“I find the reason the NDC is matching noble, but I am uncertain as to why they were allowed and we were denied. Have the Ghana Police Service changed strategy? We think the police should offer us an apology on this matter.”
Additionally, the #FixTheCountry convener insisted that campaigners were denied the right to demonstrate, however a politically affiliated group has been given the affirmation to protest.
“Our political systems thrive on quid pro quo and back-hand deals. Political parties and what they want always matter; You and I don’t!
“Apparently, some are more Ghanaian than others! Did Covid now disappear? After one whole month of chasing us about. Have the police reversed course? Why them? And why not us? What are the criteria? This selective application of the law is disgraceful and offends justice”.
Police withdraws decision on NDC protest
On Friday, July 2, 2021, the Ghana Police Service withdrew its decision not to deliver protection to Youth Wing of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) during its demonstration scheduled for Tuesday, July 6.
Based on a meeting held Friday, between Inspector-General of Police, James Oppong-Boanuh and the organisers of the demonstration at the Police Headquaters, the stakeholders addressed concerns raised by the party.
Revealing their decision via a Facebook post, the Police Service explained that they are “poised to provide the necessary security for the safety of the planned demonstration by the youth of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Tuesday 6th July, 2021”.
“The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. James Oppong-Boanuh has held a meeting with the organisers at the Police Headquarters, Accra on 2nd July, 2021. All matters relating to the march was discussed and agreed, including the routes and COVID-19 protocols.”
Prior to this, the deputy Accra Region Police Commander, DCOP E.A. Sakyi, had earlier indicated the Service is unable to offer security to the NDC Youth Wing.
“The Accra Regional Police Command acknowledged receipt of your letter dated 30th June 2021 on the above subject and wish to inform you that, restrictions imposed by the Executive Instrument (E. I) 395 to contain the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic has still not been lifted. The Regional Command also refers you to Section 4 of the Public Order Act 1994 (Act 49) particularly concerning Public Health.
“The Command, therefore, cannot provide you with the needed security during your intended demonstration and street protest, please”.
NDC on Police Service “core responsibilities”
Reacting to this, the National Youth Organiser of the NDC, George Opare Addo, accused the Police reneging on its fundamental duties. This, he explained, was being perpetrated by turning the security service into an agency of politics.
“In recent times, the Ghana Police Service has slept on its core responsibilities to the general citizenry of our beloved country in such wanton disregard to its duty. The Ghana Police Service has metamorphosed into an agency of politics being used by government for its partisan bidding.”
Following their statement, the NDC youth wing has received the approval to “demand justice for all persons killed and brutalized by state-sponsored thuggery and/or adventurism by police and military forces”.
Also, they have also been given an opportunity to demand social justice for the unemployed youth in the country.
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