KEY POINTS
- Police were accused of brutality during a 2014 protest against economic conditions in Ghana.
- Protesters clashed with authorities after being prevented from reaching the Flagstaff House.
- Four protesters were arrested, with one later granted bail and required to report to police headquarters.
In 2014, a group of Ghanaians protesting harsh economic conditions clashed with police, leading to allegations of police brutality.
The protest, which took place on July 4, 2014, was led largely by members of the middle class, including legal practitioner Ace Kojo Ankomah, Yoofi Grant of Databank, Dr. Esi Ansah, a lecturer at Ashesi University, Consumer Protection Agency CEO Kofi Kapito, Comfort Ocran of Legacy and Legacy, Databank co-founder Ken Ofori-Atta, IMANI Ghana Communications Director Selorm Branttie, and former MTN Chief Marketing Officer George Andah.
According to a report by Ghana Web, the demonstration, called “Occupy Flagstaff House,” has become a significant reference point for civil activism in Ghana.
The protesters aimed to reach the Flagstaff House, the seat of government. The protest began with participants gathering at Afua Sutherland Park.
However, tensions arose when police locked the park gates, insisting that the agreement was for protesters to remain there while their leaders presented their petition. Angered by this move, protesters forced their way out, making the police to open the gate and accompany them.
Standoff with police and arrests
Upon reaching the National Theatre, police formed a barrier to prevent the protesters from advancing further. A standoff lasting approximately 45 minutes ensued.
During the confrontation, Head of Police Public Relations Directorate DSP Cephas Arthur told the protesters, “You cannot go beyond this point and that is not negotiable.”
Despite the heavy rain, the protesters refused to disperse and picketed in front of armored police vehicles. According to Metro TV footage, some protesters described the police actions as a clear violation of their constitutional rights.
“It is our right to protest,” said one protester. “Everybody protested. Many of those in government today were student leaders who protested in their time.
Had they been stopped like we are today, would they be where they are now? These [protesters] are professionals: doctors, lawyers, bankers. Nothing would have happened if you just followed us quietly, let us present our petition, and come back. What is anyone afraid of?”
Another protester added, “This is my home. I am in Ghana, and Ghana is my home. I can protest anywhere I want.”
Later, the protesters gathered at Afrikoko, surrounded by riot police armed with tear gas. One of the protest conveners addressed the crowd, emphasizing the economic hardships faced by Ghanaians.
“Ghanaians have to grapple with extreme discomfort, lowered productivity, the ever-rising rate of inflation, and continuous loss of purchasing power,” he said.
“Ghanaians have to come to grips with limited access to essential services such as quality education and health care, as well as the poor quality of service from utility companies despite the constant rise in tariffs.”
After the standoff, protest leaders were eventually allowed to enter the Flagstaff House, where Deputy Chief of Staff Valerie Sawyer received their petition on behalf of the government.
The protest ended with four protesters being arrested for allegedly disobeying police orders. Three were later released, while the fourth was granted bail of GH¢5,000 and instructed to report to the Criminal Investigations Department at police headquarters.
