Ghanaian actress and socialite Efia Odo has averred that the police won’t stop citizens who are demanding a better livelihood from protesting on 9th May 2021.
This follows #FixtheCountry campaigners writing to the Ghana Police Service, notifying them of their intention of demonstrating on May 9th, 2021, against hardships in the country. However, the police in a letter noted that it can’t accept their request to protest since it could be a “super spreader of COVID-19”.
Efia Odo who is part of the spearheads of the protest took to her Twitter to voice out why she thinks the police won’t stop them from protesting. She observed that if the police didn’t stop the leaders of the country from holding campaigns when COVID was still highly prevailing, then they have no excuse to stop them from also protesting.
“The police didn’t stop our leaders from campaigning during COVID and they won’t stop us from protesting against bad leadership! #FixTheCountryNow”.
Reactions to Efia’s post
Several tweeps have reacted to her post with different views. Some noted that the demonstration will come on no matter the situation. They emphasized that they won’t allow the leaders to silence them since their voices need to be heard. Also, others who were in agreement with Efia Odo noted that there were people who died in the process of making this country a better place. Based on this, they don’t mind losing their lives whiles fighting for the country.
That notwithstanding, some mentioned that the police refusing to allow them to protest was the doing of the leaders. According to them, when it’s time for elections, these leaders “deceive” them and get their vote. However, when it’s time for them to hold them accountable, then they try to silence them.
Others used this post as an avenue to slam the police. They stated that the police themselves are facing hardships and so, this protest will even save them from the deplorable barracks they live in.
Meanwhile, some who were of a different view noted that Efia Odo and the rest of the protestants at this point should let sleeping dogs lie. They explained that there are laws and procedures involved in holding a demonstration. Therefore, she should just adhere to what the police have said.
More so, some who agreed with the police emphasized that the demonstration will help increase the number of COVID 19 cases. And so, she should put a stop to it and keep campaigning online instead. Some comments to her post read:
Oliver Baker disappointed with Ghana Police’s directive
That notwithstanding, one of the leaders of the #FixTheCountry group, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, in;an interview said he is unhappy about the Ghana Police Service’s decision not to protect individuals who will embark on a protest due to the ban on the social gathering.
He described the move as disappointing and he insisted that the rationale;behind the decision is an excuse to stifle citizens from demonstrating and demanding a better livelihood.
“It is disappointing that the police are using the language;of Covid-19 yet they have no measures in place for receipt of notices”.
Read also: Houses in Ghana costs more than in Atlanta- Micheal Blackson joins the #fixthecountry campaign
