Police assures of readiness to ensure order during October 3 to 5 demo in Accra

The Ghana Police Service has assured the public that it has put in place adequate security measures ahead of a major three-day protest set to take place in Accra from October 3 to 5, 2024.

The protest, organized by the group Concerned Citizens Against Galamsey, seeks to advocate for the release of 53 anti-galamsey activists who were arrested and detained last week. In a statement issued by Assistant Commissioner of Police Grace Ansah-Akrofi, the Police outlined the routes approved for the demonstration and reminded the organizers of their obligations under the Public Order Act, 1994 (Act 491).

The demonstration will start at Okponglo near the University of Ghana Sports Stadium and proceed through several key points in the city, including the Kanda Highway, Ridge Hospital, and Parliament House, before ending at the Accra Sports Stadium. The Police emphasized that participants must adhere to the approved routes, avoid causing any obstruction or disorder, and comply with the directions of law enforcement officers to ensure public safety.

“We wish to remind the public and the organizers of their responsibilities under the Public Order Act,” the Police stated, adding that it is ready to disperse crowds if there is a breach of the peace. “The Ghana Police Service has put in place sufficient security measures to maintain law and order during the protest,” the statement read, while also cautioning that the organizers will be held responsible for any damage to public property.

The protest, organized under the slogans “FreeTheCitizens” and “SayNoToGalamsey,” is expected to draw thousands of participants. It aims not only to demand the release of the detained activists but also to address the broader issue of illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, which has devastated Ghana’s environment. Organizers have outlined a detailed schedule of activities for the three-day event, which includes the submission of petitions to the Attorney-General, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, and Parliament.

On the first day, protesters will submit a petition to the Attorney-General, demanding the immediate release of their fellow activists.

“Day 1 will see us submit a petition to the Office of the Attorney-General to demand the release of our brothers and sisters remanded in police custody,” said one of the organizers.

The second day will focus on a petition to the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, calling for stronger action to end galamsey. On the final day, protesters plan to submit a petition to Parliament, urging lawmakers to pass legislation that bans illegal mining practices.

The protest is scheduled to end with a vigil at Independence Square, where the organizers hope to be joined by the released detainees. “We want to celebrate their sacrifices for a better Ghana,” the group said in a statement.

This protest comes after a recent demonstration against galamsey and government mismanagement, which ended in violence and the arrest of protesters. Despite this, the activists remain resolute. “This is not just our fight,” said one of the organizers. “It is a fight for our future, our children, and our nation.”

As the city braces for the protest, all eyes will be on Accra to see whether the event will proceed peacefully and whether the demands of the activists will be met.

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