Eighteen individuals were arrested over the weekend in connection with an unauthorised gathering near Mensah Sarbah Hall at the University of Ghana, according to Seidu Iddrisu, Deputy Director of Operations at the university’s Safety and Security Services Directorate.
In an interview with Univers News, the deputy director said campus security observed a group of people congregating without approval, many of whom were reportedly dressed inappropriately and disturbing public peace.
“In the afternoon, when we were busy with the congregation, we noticed that they were on the street, and most of them were dressed inappropriately. So we thought that it was disturbing the university peace. That’s why they were arrested,” he said.
He emphasised that the gathering violated university protocols, noting that student gatherings remain suspended unless approved by the Dean of Students.
“In the first place, the gathering was illegal because it was not sanctioned by any authority. And we all know that student gathering is banned. So, before you gather to do any program, you need to seek permission.”
Iddrisu confirmed that only two of those arrested were students of the University of Ghana. The others included eight students from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, four from institutions in Cape Coast, one from Apia Minka University in Kumasi, and three who were not affiliated with any school.
“We arrested 18 people. Only two were found to be legal students. The rest are from different places,” he said.
He added that the suspects were initially taken to the campus police station and later transferred to the Accra Central Police Station. As of now, the security unit has not received updates on their status.
“So they were moved to Accra Central. As of now, I have no information yet on whether they have been released or are still in custody.”
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Story by Anita Azawodie|univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Michelle Lartey
