The Ghana Police Service has challenged protesters who allege they were assaulted by police during a demonstration on Thursday, September 21, to provide evidence to support their claims.
The police say they have no record of any assaults and that there have been no reports filed against them.
“Therefore, anyone with evidence to the contrary should provide it for investigation,” the police said in a statement on Friday, September 22.
The statement was issued after a meeting with some leaders of Democracy Hub, the organizers of the intended picketing at the seat of government, on Friday, September 22.
The meeting is said to have been convened at the instance of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare.
The police said they re-echoed at the meeting that they are not against any person or group of persons who want to demonstrate given their track record of providing security to demonstrations in this country.
“However, in this instant case, the police’s concern was the location of the intended demonstration, the Jubilee House, which is a designated security zone,” the statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs of the Ghana Police Service, ACP Grace Ansah-Akrofi, said.
It added that the meeting concluded with an assurance from the leaders of Democracy Hub that they will discuss with their members and come to a compromise on the venue of the demonstration and revert to the police.
“The leaders also assured the Police that they will talk to their members to leave the streets while awaiting either a compromise decision between the police and the demonstrators on an alternative venue or the determination of the matter by the court.”
The police assured the public of its dedication to fostering a democratic environment, where citizens’ rights are upheld, while “maintaining the security and stability of the nation”.
