The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed displeasure and worry over the alleged use of excessive force against demonstrators taking part in the unsuccessful Occupy Jubilee House protest in the early hours of Thursday, September 21, 2023.
The NDC expressed its sadness at the police’s deployment of such forceful measures in a press release released by its general secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey.
The Inspector General of Police’s (IGP) continuous efforts to turn the Ghana Police Service into a preeminent organization are in direct conflict, according to the NDC, with this show of brute force. The party expressed sadness that the police will use violence and the restriction of human rights to handle complaints.
The NDC expressed disappointment that more peaceful paths were not explored to address the issues raised by the demonstrators as it looked back on Ghana’s 31-year democratic experience. The incident, in the party’s opinion, represents a serious setback for Ghana’s democracy.
The NDC also demanded that individuals who have been detained in connection with the protest be released immediately and urged the police to handle such situations with professionalism and discretion. The NDC expressed sympathy to protestors who had been hurt or detained by the police as a sign of unity. The party invited other progressive groups to join the NDC in supporting individuals impacted by the police actions financially and in other ways.
Read the entire statement below:
NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS
NATIONAL SECRETARIAT
For Immediate Release
21st September 2023
NDC CONDEMNS POLICE BRUTALITIES ON OCCUPY JUBILEE HOUSE PROTESTERS
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has learned with great disappointment the brutality meted out on the Occupy Jubilee House protesters in the early hours of today.
The NDC is saddened by such crude tactics being deployed by the Police at a time when the IGP is being applauded for making efforts toward transforming the Ghana Police Service into the best institution in the country.
This shameful show of brute force runs counter to that. It’s regrettable the police would think that violence and suppression of human rights is the best way to address issues.
After 31 years of our democratic journey, it is a crying shame that we cannot find more peaceful ways to address these issues. This is a massive step backward for our democracy.
We hereby call on the police to use professional means to handle these issues and to release the arrested protesters forthwith.
In the spirit of solidarity, we extend empathy to protesters who have been injured and/or detained by the police. We hereby call on all progressive forces to join the NDC to provide legal and other support to assist all the protesters who have been arrested or injured by the police.
Signed
Fifi Fiavi Kwetey General Secretary
