Deputy National Youth Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Edem Agbana, has intimated that the stone throwing by some members of the Arise Ghana pressure group during the first day of the demonstration was in self defence.
Edem Agbana alleged that the Police started firing tear gas at the protestors during the exercise without any provocation.
“Self defence is seen as legal; they were only reacting to the action of the Police.”
Edem Agbana
The Deputy Youth Organizer further accused the Police of recklessness. He stated that the protestors were embarking on a peaceful demonstration only for the Police to start firing tear gas at them.
“I think that what happened is unfortunate, this is not what we bargained for.”
Edem Agbana
Edem Agbana stated that they were peaceful demonstrators, unarmed protesters sending a clear message to the government that the economy is in a mess.
Meanwhile, Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has intimated that those who threw stones during the demonstration by Arise Ghana pressure group were all captured on tape hence, it will make it easier for identification for arrest and prosecution.
Kojo Oppong Nkrumah stated that it is during prosecution in court that it will be determined whether these persons are Police officers as it’s being claimed by organizers of the demonstration.
“When they are arrested and put before court we will find out whether they are Police or not.”
Kojo Oppong Nkrumah
IGP was clear on how demonstrators are to be treated
Mr. Oppong Nkrumah averred that the IGP was very clear that the demonstrators are supposed to be the Police’s brothers and sisters. As such, they were to be treated with decorum, assist them to exercise their constitutional right under Article 21(1)(d) which gives one the right to join an assembly to protest as pleased.
“Even when they were attacked by these persons, though they had superior force that they could use, even in their own defence, in compliance with the instruction of their superior they still kept their calm and did their best to control the situation.”
Kojo Oppong Nkrumah
According to the Information Minister, there is an obvious attempt to create instability in the country at this time. “We don’t need to mince words about it.”
“There is a trajectory; first, there was a group that wanted to demonstrate with weapons, then there was this group that said they wanted to demonstrate throughout the night till the following morning . The Police raised obvious security questions against that.”
Kojo Oppong Nkrumah
Both comments came after the Police accused the demonstrators of attacking them in a situation they described as shameful.
The Police in a tweet said: “Attack on Police in the Arise Ghana Demonstration. What a shame! We were there to protect you and ensure your safety, but you throw stones at us, injure and hurt us. This behavior is unacceptable and must be condemned.”
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