Democracy Hub issued a rebuttal to the Ghana Police Service’s press release on 22nd September 2024, which claimed that Fix the Country demonstrators were engaging in unlawful activities.
Democracy Hub firmly denied the police’s allegations, stating that they did not engage in unlawful acts such as blocking intersections, setting fires, or harassing road users.
The Hub emphasized that its organizers and participants have always been instructed to demonstrate peacefully and have adhered to this directive.
Any incidents that may have occurred were isolated and cannot be attributed to the organizers or the core of their peaceful assembly.
“The Democracy Hub takes note of the press release issued by the Ghana Police Service regarding the events of our ongoing demonstration and wishes to respond as follows: Right to Demonstrate: The Constitution of Ghana guarantees every citizen the right to assemble and demonstrate peacefully”.
“Our demonstration is a lawful exercise of this right, and any actions taken by the police to disrupt this process violate our democratic freedoms. We find it alarming that the police have framed our peaceful demonstration as a matter of public disorder, rather than respecting our constitutional rights”.
Democracy Hub
Democracy Hub pointed out the irony in the Ghana Police Service’s claim of launching a ‘special operation’ to ensure safety, security, law, and order, while simultaneously using excessive force and intimidation against peaceful demonstrators.
The Hub noted that blocking roads, diverting traffic, and deploying a heavy police presence only escalated tensions and caused more inconvenience to the public than the demonstration itself.
Democracy Hub maintained that the police’s actions have been more disruptive than any acts attributed to their movement.
The Hub expressed that the police’s characterization of the demonstrators’ actions as “unGhanaian, uncivil, and unlawful” is both disrespectful and a dismissal of the citizens’ fundamental right to hold their leaders accountable.
According to Democracy Hub, the true essence of being Ghanaian is reflected in the people’s resilience, unity, and commitment to justice.
The group further explained that their demonstration embodies these values, aiming to shed light on critical issues affecting ordinary citizens, such as corruption, environmental degradation, and unemployment.
Police Collaboration with NPP Sparks Confrontation
Furthermore, Democracy Hub claimed that the Ghana Police Service coordinated with the Deputy National Organizer of the NPP, allowing a group of nearly 100 individuals to confront the protesters.
The group indicated that the police reportedly granted this group access through areas they had previously barricaded near Jubilee House, facilitating the confrontation.
The Hub called for immediate explanations regarding the actions that appeared to be deliberate attempts to intimidate and harm the protesters.
As such, the group demanded accountability for what they viewed as a clear strategy to undermine the safety and rights of those participating in the demonstration.
“Call for Dialogue: We urge the Ghana Police Service to engage in constructive dialogue with us rather than resorting to misinformation and intimidation. We remain open to engaging with the authorities to ensure that our demonstration continues in a manner that upholds both public safety and our democratic rights”.
“Commitment to Peace: The Democracy Hub is committed to maintaining peace throughout our protest and ensuring that all activities are conducted in accordance with the law. We call on the Ghana Police Service to respect our rights and to provide the necessary security and support for our demonstration, as is their constitutional duty”.
Democracy Hub
Democracy Hub reaffirmed its commitment to exercising the right to peaceful protest, urging all Ghanaians to join in defending their rights and ensuring that their voices are heard.
The Hub emphasized the importance of collective action in the pursuit of a more just and equitable society, calling on citizens to unite in holding leaders accountable and advocating for meaningful change.
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