The Greater Accra Regional Police Command has turned down the request of an advocate group, Arise Ghana for 48 hour security on the street ahead of their intended demonstration
The letter signed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Iddi L. Seidu stated, “… Also the command does not agree with your choice of route for the demonstration as the Ako Adjei interchange to Christ the king traffic light is a designated security zone”
The police advised the group to use the traditional routes for the demonstration which was pointed out clearly in the letter as “Obra spot at Kwame Nkrumah Circle through Farisco traffic light, TUC then terminate at Independence Square where you will present your petitions and disperse afterwards”
Meanwhile, a leading member of Arise Ghana, Bernard Mornah in response to the letter from the police stated that, the police did not provide any lawful or reasonable basis for their decision and wish to draw their attention to the fact that they have no power or authority whatsoever under the Public Order Act, 1994 (Act 491) and other laws of this country to limit or restrict the duration of demonstrations
The letter stated again that, they are not aware of any traditional routes on them without any lawful or reasonable basis
They however, entreated the police to reconsider their position on the matter in the national interest
