The organisers of the #Dumsormuststop vigil have strongly condemned the Ghana Police Service for seeking a court injunction against their planned demonstration, describing it as an act of bad faith.
Despite initial discussions between the organisers and the police, the police have filed a writ at the High Court to block the event.
In an interview with JoyNews, lead organiser Selorm Dramani argued that the police’s actions are an attempt to curtail their constitutional right to protest.
Mr Dramani emphasized that protesters are required to notify the police about such events, facilitating a collaborative approach to ensure a peaceful assembly.
He explained that while the organisers agreed to modify the timing of the vigil, they insisted on maintaining the location at Revolution Square due to its historical significance and proximity to the seat of government.
“We stood our ground and told the police that we would not do anything about the venue. The venue would not be changed because if the venue were to change, that would even affect the principles behind holding the vigil. We chose the Revolution Square for its historical significance and its proximity to the presidency or the seat of government. So, we told the police and made it clear that it does not even lie in the mouth of the police to relocate our venue to the Independence Square”.
He disagreed with the police’s assertion that Revolution Square, the planned location for the protest, is a security zone.
Mr. Dramani highlighted the absence of any reference to the area as a security zone in the police affidavit submitted to the court.
He noted that if Revolution Square were indeed a security zone, the police should be capable of effectively managing protesters within the vicinity of such installations.
“If the police continue to extend these threat-bare excuses that the sub-region is in turmoil because of acts of terrorism, even in countries that are going through these acts of terrorism, there are demonstrations and protests going on there successfully.
“If there is a paranoia hanging over the presidency regarding their incompetent management of the energy sector, which is resulting in this devastating effect of dumsor, the president should admit that. He should not be using the police as their strong arm to be coiling our right to demonstrate,” he noted.