The Ghana Police Service has announced today that it will restrict the location of an upcoming protest scheduled for September 21-23, 2024, at the Revolution Square in front of the Jubilee House.
According to a press release issued by the Ghana Police Service on September 19, 2024, the decision comes after careful consideration of potential impacts on public order. The announcement follows months of negotiations between police authorities and organizers from the Democracy Hub, who had initially planned to stage a three-day picket at the designated site.
“In line with the provisions of the Public Oder Act, 1994 (Act 491), the Police conducted an assessment of the proposed location for the picketing.
“Following the assessment, the Police concluded that holding the protests at the Revolution Square could affect public order, endanger public defence, public safety and public health.”
Ghana Police Service
The Jubilee House, being one of the highest-profile locations in the country, could attract heightened security risks if used as a protest venue. Specifically, the statement mentioned that the protest could disrupt public order, jeopardize the security of essential services, and even endanger public safety due to the sensitive nature of the vicinity.
Recognizing the potential risks, the Police engaged in dialogue with the organizers from the Democracy Hub to propose a safer and more appropriate location for the protest. However, this effort did not yield the intended results.
Despite the Police’s recommendations and offers of alternative venues, Democracy Hub insisted on using Revolution Square as their protest site. The civic group’s refusal to consider another location compelled the Ghana Police Service to seek legal intervention.
The matter was brought before the High Court to determine whether the protest could go ahead at the proposed location.
On 18th September 2024, the High Court ruled in favor of the Police, granting an order that prohibited Democracy Hub from conducting their protest at Revolution Square.
On 9th July 2024, the Ghana Police Service received formal notification from the Democracy Hub, a civic advocacy group, regarding their intent to organize a public protest at Revolution Square, directly in front of the Jubilee House, which is the seat of government.
The planned protest was slated to take place over three days, from 21st to 23rd September 2024. The group’s primary mode of action, picketing, was meant to draw attention to unspecified grievances or demands, which many suspect are related to governance and transparency issues.
Clarification on the Right to Protest
In the aftermath of the court’s decision, the Ghana Police Service noted it has been keen to clarify their stance on the matter.
“For purposes of emphasis, we wish to state categorically, that the Ghana Police Service has not stopped Democracy Hub from embarking on the planned protest.
“The only disagreement is on their choice of the Revolution Square, in front of the Jubilee House, as the location for the protest.”
Ghana Police Service
The Police reiterated their commitment to supporting the peaceful and lawful exercise of the right to assembly. In line with this, they assured the public and the Democracy Hub that they are fully prepared to provide the necessary security for the protest, once a new location is agreed upon between the organizers and the authorities.
The Police also indicated that they have reached out to the Democracy Hub through a formal letter, requesting further dialogue to finalize an appropriate protest venue. They expressed optimism about finding a suitable alternative site where the demonstration could take place without posing a threat to public safety or disrupting the normal functions of the government.
The case highlights ongoing debates about the interpretation and application of Ghana’s Public Order Act. Critics argue that the law gives police too much discretion in restricting protests, potentially infringing on constitutional guarantees of freedom of assembly.
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