Lawyers In Search Of Democracy (LINSOD) has lauded National Security for its swift intervention to stop the ‘Fixing The Country Movement’ planned demonstration at the residence of the Former President and the National Democratic flagbearer for the 2024 general elections John Dramani Mahama on Thursday, November 23 2023.
In a statement released on Thursday, November 23 2023 and signed by its President, Eric Delanyo Alifo, Esq., the group stated that the office of the former President of Ghana is a private property hence any entry or intrusion by such ‘unwelcomed’ persons could be considered as an unlawful entry.
The group further argued that the ‘intended purpose’ for the planned demonstration by the ‘Fixing The Country Movement’ did not require any duty or responsibility from former President John Mahama, hence there was no need for the group to have decided to present its petition to the Former President.
”We are delighted by the news that National Security has stopped the members of Fixing the Country Movement from staging a demonstration at the office of the Former President, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, on Thursday, November 23rd, 2023. It would be recalled that when the information first emerged about the intended demonstration, LINSOD was the first entity to release a statement to condemn the intention and to express its disappointment in the Ghana Police Service for consenting to the planned activity, and acting to facilitate it.
“We are graciously delighted by the wisdom of the top decision-makers at National Security, who have shown determination, albeit at this late hour, that the planned demonstration shall set a dangerous precedent for protests being organized at private offices of individuals. National Security has accordingly intervened to stop the planned illegal activity and to thereby avert a potentially catastrophic clash between the supporters of the NPP and NDC in the process”.
Lawyers in Search of Democracy
Again, Lawyers In Search of Democracy noted that the ‘Fixing The Country Movement’ planned demonstration at Former President John Dramani Mahama’s residence seemed a political activity initiated by some supporters of the ruling New Patriotic Party to deliberately cause public disaffection to the Former President
According to the group, it was therefore not surprising that some supporters of the former President also teamed up to protect the Former President and his property on the day of the planned demonstration.
Police Accused Of Failing To Discharge It Mandate
Furthermore, Lawyers in Search of Democracy expressed disappointment in the Ghana Police Service for failing to stop the ‘Fixing The Country Movement’ from embarking on its planned demonstration particularly after it had written to the police.
They recounted that instead of the Ghana Police Service taking measures to stop the Fixing The Country Movement’s planned demonstration its rather planned to put logistics in place to provide security for the organizers to fully carry out their intention.
“We warned the police of a potential clash if they allowed the demonstration on any given day”.
Lawyers in Search of Democracy
According to Lawyers in Search of Democracy, the attitude of the Ghana Police Service during the processes suggests that the Ghana Police Service descended into the ‘arena of politics’ which ultimately portends danger for the country’s democracy.
Honourable Albert Kan-Dapaah, the Minister of National Security called off the ‘Fixing The Country Movement’s’ scheduled protest against former President John Dramani Mahama on grounds of security concerns.
Convener of the group Ernest Owusu-Bempah announced in a statement, stating that ‘The Fixing the Country Movement’ was unable to embark on its planned demonstration and picketing at the Cantonments office of former President John Mahama which was scheduled to take place on Thursday, November 23 due to a formal order by the Ministry of National Security.
READ ALSO: PRO For Ministry Of Education Justifies Teachers’ Licensure Exams
