The Ghana Police Service has warned leaders of the Democracy Hub, organisers of the Reoccupy Julorbi demonstration that it would use lawful to maintain order after the protesters blocked roads and caused inconvenience to commuters on day one of their protest.
A statement issued by the police accused the demonstrators of engaging in lawlessness, including assault on officers.
The statement issued on Sunday, September 22, 2024, stated that the police had to embark on a special operation to safeguard safety, security, law, and order in the city.
Officers from the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) were dispatched to manage the affected routes and assist drivers and pedestrians alike.
According to the police, the demonstrators unlawfully occupied the 37 Intersection, engaging in acts that caused severe inconvenience to the public.
The police said the demonstrators blocked the intersection with vehicles and stones, set fires in the middle of the road, harassed other road users, and even played football in the streets.
The service said the unlawful actions brought traffic to a standstill, leaving commuters trapped for hours. Individuals in need of urgent medical attention struggled to reach hospitals, and families visiting sick loved ones at nearby medical facilities faced significant delays.
People attending funerals and other important cultural events as well as commercial activities were also disrupted.
Some travellers even missed their flights due to the chaos, and many businesses were affected by the inability of customers to access them, the police added.
It has therefore warned the leaders that any future demonstrations must not take place at the 37 Intersection.
It advised the protesters to consider any of the seven alternate locations proposed by the police, where the authorities would be available to provide the necessary security.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
