The National Democratic Congress (NDC), Ghana’s prominent opposition party, sharply condemned excessive force against protesters in the “Occupy Jubilee House” demonstration on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023.
In a statement authored by General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, the NDC expressed deep concern over the forceful police response, especially as Inspector General of Police Dr. George Akuffo Dampare has recently received praise for efforts to reform the police service into a respected institution.
“This blatant use of force runs counter to these commendable reform efforts. It is deeply troubling that the Ghanaian police force would resort to such tactics when suppression of human rights is a far cry from effective problem-solving,” the statement highlighted.
Building on more than three decades of democratic rule in Ghana, the NDC statement emphasised the incident’s retrogressive nature.
“In a country that has experienced 31 years of democratic governance, it is a significant and unsettling setback for our democracy that we are unable to address public concerns through peaceful dialogue,” the NDC pointed out.
Calling for immediate action, the NDC urged law enforcement to release detained protesters promptly and to adopt professional and humane procedures for handling public protests.
Furthermore, the statement invited “progressive forces” to collaborate with the NDC in offering legal and other essential support to those arrested or injured during the demonstration.
“In a gesture of unwavering solidarity, we extend our heartfelt empathy to those protesters who endured injuries or detention by law enforcement,” the NDC’s statement added.
Originally, protest organizers had arranged a gathering at the 37 Military Hospital bus station, where demonstrators would march to the Jubilee House.
However, police officers dispersed the group and detained fewer than 50 protesters, taking them to multiple police stations across Accra.
As of 10 a.m., heightened police activity remained evident at the bus station, with officers arresting individuals wearing black or red, colours associated with the protest, as reported by Graphic Online.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Sept. 20, the Ghana Police Service announced filing an injunction at the High Court in Accra and serving notice to the organisers.
This incident raises questions about the state of civil liberties in Ghana, highlighting tensions between law enforcement and democratic principles.
