The Ghana Police Service has issued a stern warning to the leaders of the Democracy Hub following significant disruptions caused by their protest on Sunday, September 22. The protesters, who took to the streets despite a dispute over the location of their demonstration, blocked key roads and caused widespread inconvenience for commuters and local businesses in Accra.
The protest was sparked by a disagreement between the Police and Democracy Hub organizers regarding the designated location for their planned demonstration. In response, the Police launched a special operation aimed at ensuring the safety and security of the public while maintaining law and order in the city.
As the protest unfolded, it became evident that the demonstrators had blocked major roads, causing significant traffic diversions and inconvenience across parts of Accra. Officers from the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) were deployed to manage the chaos, assisting both drivers and pedestrians who were affected by the roadblocks.
Despite these efforts, the Democracy Hub protesters unlawfully occupied the 37 Intersection, further aggravating the situation. The demonstrators blocked the intersection using vehicles and stones, set fires in the middle of the road, and engaged in unruly behavior, including harassing road users and even playing football in the streets. The chaos also saw protesters banging on vehicles, leading to confrontations with Police officers who were attempting to restore order.
The disruptions led to a standstill in traffic, with many commuters trapped for hours. Critical services were also affected, as individuals in need of urgent medical attention were delayed from reaching hospitals. Families visiting sick relatives at nearby medical facilities faced long waits, and attendees of funerals and other cultural events experienced significant delays. Additionally, several travelers missed their flights due to the gridlock, and businesses suffered as customers were unable to access them.
The Ghana Police Service expressed concern over the extent of the disruption, questioning the intent of the demonstrators. The Police pointed out that the protesters’ actions were not only illegal but also went against Ghanaian values, causing hardship to ordinary citizens. They stressed that such demonstrations should be conducted peacefully, without infringing on the rights of others.
Following the chaos, the Police issued a clear warning to the organizers of Democracy Hub. They made it clear that future demonstrations should not be held at the 37 Intersection or any other unauthorized location. Instead, the organizers were urged to consider one of the seven alternate venues proposed by the Police. The authorities assured that if the protest takes place in an approved location, they will provide the necessary security to ensure public safety and prevent disruptions.
The Police also stated that any further attempts to stage a protest at the 37 Intersection would be met with lawful action to ensure free traffic flow and minimize inconvenience to the public. They emphasized that maintaining law and order remains their top priority and that they would not hesitate to enforce the law to protect the rights and safety of all Ghanaians.
In conclusion, the Ghana Police Service thanked the public for their cooperation during the protest and assured them that they are committed to upholding law, security, and order in the city. The Police encouraged citizens to continue supporting their efforts to ensure a peaceful and orderly environment for everyone in the capital.
