Police commend “Arise Ghana” demonstrators, promise to bring law breakers to book
The Ghana Police Service has commended “Arise Ghana” organizers and demonstrators for conducting themselves in an orderly manner during day two of their two-day protest.
In a statement signed by the director of police public affairs, Chief Superintendent of Police, Grace Ansah-Akrofi, the service registered its “satisfaction with the successful outcome of day two of the Arise Ghana protest”.
“The police provided the security and with support from the public and demonstrators, day two of the protest march was incident-free”.
“We are grateful to the general public for their cooperation and understanding in spite of the inconvenience the demonstration undoubtedly caused them” the statement noted.
“Whilst we continue to register our disappointment at the riotous conduct of the demonstrators on the first day, we commend them for their comportment today which, we hope would provide lessons for future occasions to help deepen our democratic practices as a country” the statement further read.
Law breakers
The rolice further indicated in their statement that they will continue with all necessary processes to ensure that they bring all persons who fell foul of the law to face justice.
“Meanwhile, we wish to reiterate our commitment to the rule of law in this country and bring all those who breached the law during the demonstration, to face justice” the police statement read.
Day-one rioting
At least 29 demonstrators were arrested on Tuesday (June 28) after clashing with the police in Accra, during day one of the two-day “Arise Ghana” demonstration, an official statement of the police issued on Tuesday 28 June said.
Under the sponsorship of Arise Ghana, the demonstration turned violent when protesters pelted the police with stones and various other objects following a standoff over the route to take.
The police fired tear gas to disperse the crowd that was protesting over soaring living costs in Ghana.
“The police have arrested 29 demonstrators for their participation in violent attacks on the police and some members of the public including school children during the Arise Ghana demonstration in Accra,” the police spokesperson, chief superintendent Grace Ansah-Akrofi, said in the Tuesday statement.
“Available video footages of the event are being reviewed and all other persons identified for taking part in the attacks as well as inciting the violence will be arrested and brought to face justice”.
“Also, the organisers of the demonstration will be arrested and put before court for the attacks and damage to public property,” the statement added.
“We would like to assure the public that we remain committed and professionally measured in the discharge of our constitutional mandate of enforcing law and order in the country,” it said.
