The Greater Accra Regional Police Commander , COP Sayibu Gariba has been summoned by the Police Management Board to answer to the processes deployed by his men on the first day of the #OccupyJulorbiHouse Demo which took place on September 21, 2023 which resulted in over 50 protestors being arrested by the Police over unlawful assembly.
Protesters participating in the #OccupyJulorbiHouse demonstration, which aimed to voice grievances against government economic policies and alleged corruption, faced what many have described as brute force from the police.
The incident has triggered widespread outrage among Ghanaians, with many accusing the police of using excessive force against unarmed civilians.
Inside sources within the Police Service have disclosed that the Police Service is treating the matter with utmost seriousness. COP Gariba has been summoned to provide an explanation of the events that transpired during the demonstration. Furthermore, a comprehensive investigation into the incident is set to be conducted.
In the wake of these developments, the Police Service has issued a public apology for any inconveniences caused during the three-day protests.
The #OccupyJulorbiHouse demonstration was organized by a group known as Democracy Hub, which is demanding government action to address the nation’s economic challenges and to investigate allegations of corruption.
The demonstration unfolded over a period from Thursday, September 21, 2023, to Saturday, September 23, as protesters initially assembled at the 37 Lorry Station and attempted to march to the Jubilee House, the seat of government.
However, the police intervened, preventing the demonstrators from reaching their intended destination. The incident has spurred discussions about the balance between the right to peaceful protest and the maintenance of public order.
The actions of the Police on the day drew widespread condemnation from both international and domestic watchers cutting across media, academia, civil society groups and a host of organizations particularly due to the arrest of non violent protestors and a few journalists.
