A group of Ghanaian protesters calling themselves Democracy Hub staged a three-day demonstration in Accra, the capital city, to demand better living conditions, an end to corruption, and improved governance. The protest, dubbed #OccupyJulorbiHouse, was met with resistance from the police, who arrested and detained dozens of protesters for violating a court injunction.
The protest began on Thursday, September 21, 2023, with protesters gathering at the 37 Lorry Station, intending to march towards the Jubilee House, the official residence of President Nana Akufo-Addo. The protesters wore black and carried placards with messages such as “Our Leaders Aren’t Patriotic”, “No More Suffering”, and “Thieves in Suite”.
However, the police had obtained a court order on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, to stop the protest, citing security concerns and Covid-19 restrictions. The police claimed that they had served the court order to the organizers through their lawyers, Atuguba & Associates, but the organizers denied receiving it. The police warned the public not to participate in the unlawful demonstration and arrested 49 protesters on the first day for unlawful assembly and violation of the Public Order Act.
Among those arrested were a BBC reporter, Thomas Naadi, and his cameraman, who were covering the demonstration. The police later released them and denied arresting them in the first place. The detained protesters were also released on Friday, September 22, 2023, after being charged.
The protest continued on Friday and Saturday, with more protesters joining the movement. Some celebrities, such as Stonebwoy, M.anifest, and Kwaw Kese, also showed their support by attending the demonstration. The protesters marched towards the Jubilee House, but were blocked by the police, who had erected barricades on the road. The protesters chanted songs and slogans, expressing their frustration and dissatisfaction with the government.
The protest was inspired by similar movements in Nigeria and South Africa, where citizens have taken to the streets to demand accountability and justice from their leaders. The protesters in Ghana said they were tired of the high cost of living, the rampant corruption, the unemployment, and the human rights abuses in the country. They called for the president to resign or address their concerns.
The protest has drawn attention from the international community, as well as local civil society groups and opposition parties, who have commended the protesters for their courage and peaceful conduct. The government has not yet responded to the protest, but some analysts have urged the government to engage in dialogue with the protesters and address their grievances. The protesters have vowed to continue their struggle until their demands are met.
Source: Ghana Web
