Picketing at Bank of Ghana will threaten public order – Police to Minority

Picketing at the Bank of Ghana (BoG) will jeopardize public order and security, according to the Ghana Police Service.

The Police have instructed the Minority to start the protest from the facade of Parliament House through Osu Cemetery Traffic Light and end at Independence Square, according to a statement released following a meeting with the Minority on Wednesday.

According to Police due to both people and vehicular traffic, the route from Makola through Rawlings Park and Opera Square is constantly packed and overpopulated. Security can so easily be exploited given the nature of daytime activity. Accordingly, taking such a route could result in conflict, jeopardize public order, and threaten public safety.

The Police in a statement signed by Sayibu Pabi Gariba Commissioner of Police Regional Commander/Accra reiterate the request made during their engagement today that the minority change the picketing’s route and destination. As a result, the Command suggests that, for the sake of public order and safety, among other things, they should start at Parliament House, proceed through the Osu Cemetery Traffic Light, and finish at Independence Square.

“The Bank of Ghana is a security installation, and accordingly the protest and picketing around the installation may endanger Public Order, Public Safety and the running of essential services.

Read the full statement from Police below:

RE: NOTICE OF PUBLIC PROTEST

1. The Accra Regional Police Command on behalf of the Police Administration conveys its sincerest gratitude to the Leadership of the Minority in Parliament for honoring our invitation.
2. Following our engagement with you at the Regional Police Headquarters today, Wednesday 23/08/2023 regarding the notification of a Public Protest scheduled for Tuesday, 5th of September, 2023, the Command states as follows:

• The Bank of Ghana is a security installation, and accordingly the protest and picketing around the installation may endanger Public Order, Public Safety and the running of essential services.
• That the route from Makola through Rawlings Park and Opera Square are always overcrowded and over populated due to human and vehicular traffic. Thus considering the nature of activities during the day, security can easily be compromised. In that regard, using such route may lead to violence, endanger Public Order and Public safety.
• As requested today during our engagement, the Command wishes to reiterate that you relocate the route and the destination for the picketing and therefore propose in the interest of Public Order, Public safety among others that you commence the protest from the frontage of Parliament House through Osu Cemetery Traffic Light and terminate at the Independence Square.

3. The Command hereby assures you of our continuous commitment to maintain law and order for the intended Public protest within the mandate of the Ghana Police Service.
4. BestRegards.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  SAYIBU PABI GARIBA
   COMMISSIONER OF POLICE
   REGIONAL COMMANDER/ACCRA

Source: Ghanatodayonline.com