The Ghana Police Service has filed an injunction to stop a planned Gen-Z demonstration set to take place from July 31 to August 6 in Accra. Organized by civil society groups, including Positive Transparency and Accountability Movement-Ghana, Arise Ghana, and the Alliance for Social Equity and Public Accountability, the protest aims to draw over 2 million young people.
The demonstrators are raising issues such as rising taxes, youth unemployment, and corruption. They argue these problems have led to increased drug addiction, dangerous migrations, and recruitment into terrorist groups. Among the taxes they plan to challenge are the controversial betting tax, sanitation tax, and increased internet data taxes.
The police argue that the demonstration poses risks to public safety and order. “If allowed, the demonstration could jeopardize public order, safety, and the operation of essential services,” the police stated in court documents. They expressed concern over potential security disturbances during the annual Homowo festival, which coincides with the protest dates.
A letter dated July 23 from the police to the protest organizers requested they cancel the demonstration. Despite this, the organizers maintained their decision to proceed. The police believe the protest could compromise public defense, safety, and the running of essential services.
The police also noted their involvement in several operational activities within the region due to the Homowo festival. They highlighted the festival’s history of security disturbances linked to chieftaincy disputes in local communities. Additionally, with the impending general elections, the police are focused on ensuring safety during various political activities.
The police emphasized that the demonstration could impact the rights and freedoms of others. “The Command is convinced that the proposed demonstration, if allowed in its current form, may compromise public defense, public order, and public safety,” the court papers stated.
Despite the injunction, civil society groups remain firm in their decision to protest. They argue that the issues at hand, such as corruption and unemployment, are too critical to ignore. The groups believe that peaceful demonstrations are a fundamental right and a necessary means to voice their demands for better governance.
The court’s decision on the injunction will determine whether the demonstration proceeds as planned. The outcome will set a precedent for future protests and the balance between public safety and the right to protest in Ghana.
Source: Ghana Web
