The Ghana Police Service has expressed its readiness to provide security for the planned demonstration by Democracy Hub, if the organisers change their proposed location.

According to the police service, it has not stopped Democracy Hub from embarking on the planned protest, except that the only disagreement is on their choice of the Revolution Square, in front of the Jubilee House, as the location for the protest.

The Ghana Police Service on July 9, 2024, received notice from the Democracy Hub of a planned protest by way of picketing from September 21-23, 2024, at the Revolution Square in front of the Jubilee House.

In line with the provisions of the Public Order Act, 1994 (Act 491), the police said it conducted an assessment of the proposed location for the picketing.

Following the assessment, the police concluded that holding the protests at the Revolutionary Square could affect public order and endanger public defence, public safety, and public health.

"The service has put in place sufficient measures to provide security for the exercise from 21st to 23rd September when a new location is agreed between the organizers and the police. This has been duly communicated in a letter to the organizers and we look forward to agreeing on a new location to enable the organizers to exercise their democratic right to protest," the statement by the police dated September 19, 2024, said.

In the interest of public defence, public order, public safety, and the running of essential services, the police engaged the organisers and requested them to consider an alternative location for the picketing.

However, the organisers refused to consider an alternative location and insisted on picketing at the Revolutionary Square.

The Ghana Police Sevice was, therefore, compelled to take the matter to the court for a determination.

On Thursday, September 18, 2024, the High Court granted an order to prohibit Democracy Hub from embarking on the demonstration at the Revolution Square from the September 21-23, 2024.

The Ghana Police Service said throughout its engagements with the Democracy Hub, has assured them of the readiness to provide them with the necessary security for the planned protest.

KA/AE

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