Ghanaian journalist Bridget Otoo has stated that during the tenure of former President John Dramani Mahama, citizens who were unhappy with his governance had the opportunity to freely express their grievances through protests.
Taking to the X platform, she noted that Mahama demonstrated a commitment to upholding democratic values.
According to her, Mahama’s willingness to tolerate criticism and allow peaceful demonstrations exemplified leadership that respects the diversity of opinions within a democratic society.
She added that this is unlike the Akufo-Addo-led administration, which she described as using autocracy and court injunctions to stifle dissenting views.
“Even persons who didn’t like@JDMahama wld admit, he allowed people angry at his administration rant and demonstrate!!!!! It was the right thing to do in a democracy. In this autocracy, the courtocracy, is used to stifle dissenting views,” she wrote.
Bridget Otoo’s comment follows the Ghana Police Service’s filing of an injunction at an Accra High Court to prevent the #DumsorMustStop demonstration.
The organizers, led by Ghanaian actress Yvonne Nelson, had planned the protest for Saturday, May 25, 2024.
During a meeting at the Regional Police Headquarters on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, discussions between the Accra Regional Police Command and the organizers focused on the public protest notification and its potential impact on public order and safety.
The Police Command expressed concerns about the proposed venue, Revolution Square, due to its proximity to the Jubilee House, the seat of government, which is a designated security zone.
Citing potential risks to public defense, order, and safety, the Command recommended relocating the protest to Independence Square.
They also raised concerns about the proposed conclusion time of the protest, set for midnight, warning that it could compromise security measures, escalate tensions, and potentially lead to violence.
Unable to reach an agreement, the police service, in a fresh motion filed on May 20, requested the court to order the organizers to halt the event entirely.
The case is scheduled for a hearing on May 24, 2024.
Even persons who didn't like @JDMahama wld admit, he allowed people angry at his administration rant and demonstrate!!!!!
— Bee (@Bridget_Otoo) May 21, 2024
It was the right thing to do in a democracy.
In this autocracy, the courtocracy, is used to stifle dissenting views.