Former Trade Minister, John Alan Kyerematen, has criticised the Police Service over the unmerited actions meted out to #OccupyJulorBiHouse protestors by its officers.
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 of 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. Among those reportedly arrested were a BBC journalist and his cameraman. Several artistes such as Cina Soul and KiDi showed solidarity as they sided with the protestors.
But the police in a press statement refuted the claim, noting that its officers had not detained a male journalist with the BBC.
The Police clarified that two individuals who were among a group picked up were let go after they identified themselves as journalists.
24 hours later after the arrest, 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.
Reacting to the incident, said “the initial reaction of the Police in manhandling some protestors is not the solution to the problem.”
He made the utterance during a press conference at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra on September 25, 2023, when he announced his resignation from the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
In his opinion, the protest stems from the pervasive employment crisis, which he says is gradually becoming a national security
threat.
According to Mr Kyterematen, “every year over 300,000 (three hundred thousand) graduates from tertiary institutions in Ghana, excluding those from secondary institutions, enter the job market with little or no hope of finding a job.”
He ruled out public sector employment as it is currently “overbloated.”.
For Mr Kyerematen, what Ghana needs now is a change, which will provide long-lasting solutions to the challenges confronting the country.
Meanwhile, 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.