The Minority in Parliament has sent a strong warning to the Akufo-Addo-led government as well as the police, stressing that no amount of intimidation will stop Ghanaians from holding duty bearers accountable.
The caucus, therefore, asked them to brace up “for more civic action”.
“We shall remain citizens and not spectators,” it said in a statement issued by Leader Dr Cassiel Ato Forson on Friday, September 22.
This comes after a clash between the police and some protesters on Thursday, September 21.
Democracy Hub, organisers of a three-day picketing at the Jubilee House, had their members arrested as a result of confusion over a court application filed by the police.
The police had indicated that it would be unlawful to demonstrate as the application was filed and served legal representatives of Democracy Hub on Tuesday, September 19.
Nonetheless, the protesters defied the police order and gathered to demonstrate. All of them were arrested. They have since been released.
In its statement on Friday, the Minority expressed outrage and disappointment at the police “for unleashing a terror squad of police officers who on Thursday shamefully brutalised and arrested peaceful protesters in Accra”.
“It is shocking and unacceptable that in 2023 officers of the Ghana Police Service would resort to backward and archaic policing methods to counter peaceful protesters who were only manifesting their lawful and constitutional-guaranteed right.
“We condemn in no uncertain terms the police officers’ ruthless and barbaric crackdown on the unarmed peaceful protesters.
“For a police service that is badly and widely criticised for its partisan policing methods in recent years, and for which a parliamentary probe is currently ongoing, the 16th century style crackdown and terror unleashed by them on the peaceful protesters in Accra yesterday further dims the reputation of the Ghana Police Service.
“Even more shocking is the fact that the heinous and high-handedness of the police is inconsistent with its motto of Service with Integrity.”
The Minority questioned the authority of the police to punish people for disregarding a lawful court order.
“The courts are clothed with powers to deal with those who disobey its lawful orders.
“The Ghana Police Service therefore cannot usurp the role of the courts.”
The Minority assured the protesters and their families of its solidarity.
“As efforts are underway to free all those who have been unlawfully detained by the Police, we wish to assure the leaders of the protest, all protesters and their families that the Minority firmly stands with them.”