Organisers of the #OccupyJulorBiHouse protest, Democracy Hub, led by Oliver Barker-Vormawor have successfully ended their three-day protest which commenced on Thursday, September 21, 2023.
The aim of the protest is to compel the government to address the current economic hardships Ghanaians are facing under the current Akufo-Addo-led government.
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. 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.
Following the challenges faced during the first day of the protest, it was expected that many would not show up for Day 2 of the protest, but that was not the case.
On Friday, September 22, more individuals trooped to the streets including artistes such as EL, KelvnBoy, and socialite Efia Odo. They encouraged other celebrities to join the protestors and call for the immediate fixing of the economy.
On Day 2 of the protest, the Police formed a human barricade to prevent the protestors from marching to the Jubilee House.
The protestors, while in the rain, responded by chanting the lyrics of the Ghana national anthem, assuring the government of the youth’s determination to ensure their challenges are resolved.
They held placards with inscriptions that compared Ghana’s minimum wage of GHS14.88 to services such as haircuts, which cost GHS30, and prices of goods, including a sanitary pad and a loaf of bread, which averagely cost GHS15.
There were no arrests or casualties reported on the second day of the protest.
On Saturday, September 23, many more Ghanaians came out to protest. Just like on Day 2 of the protest, the Police prevented the demonstrators from heading to the Jubilee House.
More celebrities showed up to register their displeasure with the government. Dancehall artiste, Stonebwoy thrilled the protestors to some of his hit songs.
Day 3 ended without any casualties, bringing the 3-day protest to a successful end.
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.