The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has called upon the police and other law enforcement authorities to prioritize the establishment of a positive relationship with protesters.
Commissioner Joseph Whittal emphasized that by doing so, these agencies would be better equipped to understand and respect the rights of demonstrators, rather than viewing them as instigators of trouble, ultimately leading to smoother and more peaceful protest events.
According to the Commission, the “police’s response over the years against protesters has been disproportionate and leaves much to be desired.”
In a press release issued on Wednesday, September 27, the Commissioner, among others, also recommended that “law enforcement agencies in all their considerations must facilitate the realisation of the freedom of assembly and other protected rights unless restrictions are reasonably necessary in a democratic society.”
This comes after Organisers of the #OccupyJulorBiHouse protest, Democracy Hub, led by Oliver Barker-Vormawor on Thursday, September 21, 2023 began a three-day protest aimed at compelling the government to address the current economic hardships Ghanaians are facing.
On Day 1 of the demonstration, protestors were not able to do much as 49 individuals within the vicinity of the Jubilee House and the 37 Military Hospital area were arrested by the police for unlawful assembly, which the police said violated the Public Order Act.
This action followed an application filed by the police at the court on the eve of the protest to halt the demonstration.
Following the arrest, reports of assault against the protestors, including Ghanaian journalist Bridget Otoo, emerged on social media, with many citizens calling for calm and condemning the police.
24 hours later, there were reports that some protestors who were detained had been released. Media reports were not able to provide the specific number of protestors released.
Adding its voice to condemning the actions of the police, CHRAJ reminded the police that the Constitution grants citizens the freedom to assemble.
Following the protest, the Police Management Board (POMAB) has summoned COP Sayibu Gariba, the Accra Regional Police Commander, to provide explanations regarding the use of excessive force against participants in the #OccupyJulorbiHouse protest.
Again, the police has expressed gratitude to members of the public, especially those in Accra, for their support and understanding while we worked within our mandate to maintain law and order during the demonstration.
The Service has also apologized to members of the public who were inconvenienced in one way or the other, especially those who were caught up in the vehicular holdups during the demonstration.
Meanwhile, the police has announced plans to meet with the organizers of the protest for a debriefing session with the aim of fostering a more fruitful engagement in the future.
Read the CHRAJ’s response to the Police below by clicking on the hyperlink.