The Danquah Institute (DI) has condemned the violence that characterized the protest organised by the ‘Arise Ghana’ group, describing what happened as having the potential to throw the nation into disarray.
The political think tank has therefore called on Ghanaians to safeguard the enviable democracy secured over the last three decades.
According to the Institute, since Ghana’s return to constitutional rule in 1992, the citizens have resorted mainly to democratic means to express satisfaction or otherwise about government policies, economic and social trends and the general conditions of living.
A statement issued yesterday by the Executive Director of DI, Dr. Antoinette Tsiboe-Darko, noted that the history of demonstrations as a form of protest in Ghana predates independence.
“As the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to have gained independence from British colonial authorities, the country has witnessed its fair share of protests and demonstrations, some of which resulted in national good,” part of the statement read.
Stability
According to her, “this status, if for nothing at all, stems from the ability of the nation to also ensure demonstrations are lawful and are prevented from becoming uncontrolled, violent and chaotic and destabilising the peace that is enjoyed by all citizens of the country”.
She said this also guarantees the safety and security of all citizens who either actively participate in the demonstration or who choose not to, but would want to engage in their usual day-to-day activities.
The statement further noted that during the first day of the ‘Arise Ghana’ protest, the group had no intention of complying with the Public Order Act or the Court Order, by their insistence on using an unapproved route leading to the Jubilee House.
It pointed out: “After initially indicating that they intended to hold a 48-hour demonstration, the High Court of Ghana, upon an application by Ghana Police Service, determined the time, route and location for the planned demonstration. The Court was clear in its Order that the demonstrators were to converge at the Obra Spot located at Circle at 8am, and the demonstration was to end at the Independence Square at 4pm, where a representative of the President would receive their petition, if any on the day in question”.
Condemnation
It added: “For no reason, this obvious attempt to perpetrate violence has led to injuries of Police Officers and destruction of public property, including Police vehicles. The Institute believes that well-meaning Ghanaians who are simply embarking on a peaceful demonstration would not have come armed with offensive weapons, stones and rioting devices, if not pre-meditated by a motive to create violence and destruction.”
DI said never in the history of the 4th Republic had there been a demonstration where the Ghana Police Service was pelted with stones and other offensive weapons.
“We unequivocally condemn this action, and appeal to people’s conscience to do likewise. We also have noted evidence-based allegations of the support received from some known personalities within the opposition NDC in respect of the aforementioned violent scenes and unlawful behaviour. We wish to comment that this is a rather unfortunate dent in our democracy,” it noted.
DI commended the police administration for their sense of professionalism in the face of the provocation, and urged them to deal with those culpable in accordance with the law.
“We are certain that the timely and professional intervention by the Ghana Police Service curbed a situation that could have degenerated and escalated to the point where even more public and private property would have been damaged, or worse still precious lives lost,” the statement concluded.