The Ghana Police Service has found itself at the center of intense public debate in recent years, with concerns mounting over the handling of protests and public demonstrations.
The situation has raised critical questions about the impact on the security service, its approach to public order, and how the Ghana Police can evolve to meet citizen expectations while safeguarding national security.
This conversation has been brought to the forefront with the recent protests organized by Democratic Hub, a civil society group advocating against illegal mining activities, commonly referred to as “galamsey.”
Mr. Richard Kumadoe, a security consultant and expert in fraud prevention, has criticized the police’s approach to handling protests. In an interview with Vaultz News, he pointed out a glaring issue:
“Some things are lawful, but they are not reasonable. It is lawful to arrest anybody as a law enforcement officer, but it is not reasonable to act outside of the law because the police are the custodians of the law. And when they act outside of the law, then they have become lawless.”
Mr. Richard Kumadoe, a security consultant and expert in fraud prevention
Mr. Kumadoe pointed out that the constitution recognizes demonstrations as part of democratic rights and rule of law.
However, he noted that in recent times, the police have often been at odds with demonstrators, using various tactics to deny them their right to protest. This antagonism has led to a level of tension between the police and citizens that threatens the very fabric of democracy.
Inconsistent Handling of Demonstrations
A recurring issue is the inconsistency in how the police handle different demonstrations. Mr. Kumadoe highlighted this by referencing previous protests where the police had initially cooperated with organizers, agreeing on start and end points, only to change their stance at the last minute.
For instance, Mr. Kumadoe cited that during a protest against the sale of the SSNIT hotel, the police altered the termination point without informing organizers, creating unnecessary tension. Such actions, he noted only serve to fuel suspicions of police antagonism and a lack of respect for demonstrators’ rights.
This inconsistency extends to how protests are managed across the country. Mr. Kumadoe noted that while demonstrations organize by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) across the 16 regions were largely peaceful, clashes were reported in the Ashanti region, suggesting that “when the police want to allow a peaceful protest, they can do so without incident.”
These incidents suggest that the police can act responsibly and ensure peaceful protests when they choose to do so. However, the inconsistency in their approach raises serious concerns.
As Kumadoe remarked, “For the fact that the police can ensure one demonstration goes smooth, and in the other, they create a problem… then I think it is the police who must determine when they are crossing the red line.”
According to Mr. Kumadoe, this is a matter of professionalism, or lack thereof. When the police fail to act “reasonably and professionally,” they contribute to the very problems they are meant to solve.
The duty of the police, he argued, is not only to maintain law and order but also to ensure that civil rights are not trampled upon in the process.
Mr. Kumadoe further warned of potential future challenges, mentioning rumors of university student groups planning to stage naked protests. He noted that these groups, including members from Katanga Hall, Casford Hall, Commonwealth Hall, and others, are known for their fearless nature and history of conducting demonstrations.
He emphasized that the police should remain professional and avoid unnecessary confrontations, as these groups are likely to respond aggressively if mistreated.
Mr. Kumadoe expressed hope that reason and common sense would prevail, leading to a more civil engagement between protesters and law enforcement.
Police Transparency and the Need for Reform
A significant part of the problem lies in the lack of transparency within the Ghana Police Service. Whether in their handling of public protests or their broader role in law enforcement, the police are often perceived as opaque and unaccountable.
Mr. Kumadoe called for greater transparency, urging the police to be clear about their intentions and operations. He emphasized that this lack of transparency fuels public distrust and leads to confrontations that could otherwise be avoided.
A significant portion of Mr. Kumadoe’s critique focused on the need for greater transparency and accountability within the police force. He called for the police to be more forthcoming in their actions, particularly in situations where arrests are made during protests.
He pointed to the recent Democracy Hub demonstration as an example of police opacity. Although the law allows for offenses to be bailable, the police have often acted arbitrarily, detaining protestors without clear justification.
“What did the police say to the judge before he or she remanded the people? What were the crimes professed against these people? Is it really the case?” he questioned. These are critical questions that need to be addressed if the police are to regain public trust. Without transparency, the police force risks becoming an instrument of oppression rather than a guardian of the law.
Moreover, Mr. Kumadoe suggested that the courts also have a role to play in ensuring police accountability. While acknowledging the public’s growing mistrust in the legal system, he expressed hope that one day the courts will act with reason and fairness, providing a check on police excesses.
Call for Vigilance
While much of the responsibility for ensuring peaceful demonstrations lies with the police, Mr. Kumadoe also called on protesters to be vigilant and responsible.
“Demonstrators come prepared with their own video equipment to document police interactions, ensuring that any misconduct is recorded and brought to light. They must act responsibility, and they must have their lawyers ready.”
Mr. Richard Kumadoe, a security consultant and expert in fraud prevention
This, he argued, is a necessary step in holding law enforcement accountable and protecting the rights of demonstrators.
In addition, Mr. Kumadoe urged demonstrators to engage with the police before protests begin, ensuring that both parties are clear on the parameters of the demonstration.
He suggested that written agreements between protest organizers and the police could help prevent misunderstandings and provide a legal basis for action if the police violate the terms of the agreement.
The challenge lies in finding a balance between maintaining order and protecting civil liberties. As Ghana continues to navigate these complex issues, it is crucial that both the police and citizens recognize the importance of cooperation and mutual respect in upholding the principles of democracy and human rights.
Ultimately, the success of Ghana’s democratic experiment depends on the ability of its institutions, particularly the police, to adapt to changing circumstances while remaining true to the values of justice, equality, and the protection of individual rights.
The coming months and years will be crucial in determining whether Ghana can overcome these challenges and emerge stronger, or if the tensions between law enforcement and civil society will escalate into a crisis that threatens the very foundations of the nation’s democracy.
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