The Democracy Hub, organisers of the #OccupyJulorbiHouse demonstration, has insisted that they will proceed with their planned three-day protest at the Revolutionary Square, despite Police objections.
The Ghana Police Service has said the planned three-day #OccupyJulorbiHouse demonstration by Democracy Hub has not been stopped.
According to the Police, their only disagreement with the demonstration is the choice of the Revolutionary Square in front of the Jubilee House, as the location for the protest.
But in a statement on Friday, September 20 after an engagement with the Ghana Police Service, the group said they questioned the police’s decision to secure an ex parte injunction, which was granted without allowing them to respond.
The group said they requested a copy of the affidavit used to support the injunction, however, the Police declined to provide the affidavit.
Regarding security concerns, the Democracy Hub asked for a copy of the police’s security assessment, which had been cited to justify restrictions on the protest but the police, again, refused to provide this information, which the group believed is necessary to justify restricting their constitutional rights.
In light of this, the group said the police offered a list of alternative locations for the protest, including Kawukudi Park, Efua Sutherland Park, Obra Spot, and others.
However, after consulting with security experts, the Democracy Hub concluded that these areas were impractical and posed significant risks to public safety and essential services.
The group also proposed alternative sites, including the 37 Roundabout, Airport Roundabout, and Ako-Adjei Interchange, but despite these concessions, the Police rejected all suggestions.
“Given the refusal of the Police to cooperate meaningfully and provide viable alternatives, we are left with no choice but to revert to our original plan of holding the demonstration at the Revolutionary Square, which is a secure and barricaded location. From a security perspective, this area is easily manageable by the Police, ensuring public safety,” part of the statement read.
The Democracy Hub further said they will hold a press conference at Freedom Center, Kokomlemle, to inform the public about logistical arrangements for the demonstration.
“Our goal is not confrontation. We are organising this demonstration to raise awareness about the urgent issue of illegal mining (galamsey) and its devastating impact on our environment and communities. We are committed to conducting a peaceful, organised and safe protest, and we urge the Police to respect our constitutional right to do so. Any attempt to curtail this right undermines our democracy and the rule of law,” the statement added.
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