The Ghana Police Service has cautioned the organizers of the planned “Occupy Jubilee House” protest, scheduled for Saturday, September 21, 2024, that they will be held accountable for any violations of the Public Order Act. The protest, led by Democracy Hub, aims to raise awareness about illegal mining but has faced police opposition due to concerns over public disorder at the selected venue, Revolution Square, opposite the Jubilee House.
Although the police secured an injunction against the protest, citing potential disturbances, a compromise on a new venue was not reached during a meeting between the police and organizers.
ACP Grace Ansah Akrofi, Director of Public Affairs at the Ghana Police Service, expressed concerns about intelligence suggesting that some demonstrators might resort to violence. Reports indicated plans to use weapons, attack state officials, and vandalize critical infrastructure, prompting the police to issue a stern warning.
Akrofi urged the organizers to warn their members against such unlawful actions and to comply with the court’s order and the Public Order Act. The police emphasized that any breach of the law during the protest would result in serious consequences.
“Intelligence gathered suggests some demonstrators are planning violent acts that could threaten public peace and security,” Akrofi stated, listing potential threats such as defying the court order, wielding weapons, and attacking key installations.
The police have called on the organizers to ensure their demonstration proceeds lawfully without disrupting public order, warning that they will face accountability for any legal violations.
