The Ghana Police Service has expressed gratitude to the organisers of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s nationwide protest held on September 17, noting that the event was largely peaceful.
The demonstration, aimed at challenging the Electoral Commission (EC), spanned all 16 regions of Ghana, with only a minor disruption reported in Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti Region.
In an official statement, the police credited the peaceful outcome to the cooperation between law enforcement and demonstrators, emphasizing, “The demonstration concluded peacefully in all areas, with the exception of an isolated incident in Kumasi.”
In Kumasi, some protesters attempted to breach the Electoral Commission’s premises and clashed with police, resulting in one officer sustaining injuries and receiving medical care.
The Inspector-General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has personally reached out to the injured officer to wish him a quick recovery, and an investigation into the incident has been initiated.
Overall, the police praised the conduct of the protesters, noting their adherence to established guidelines. The statement expressed appreciation for the collaborative spirit among various stakeholders, including the demonstrators, the EC, the media, and the general public.
“The Inspector-General of Police and the leadership of the Police Service extend their heartfelt thanks to all police officers nationwide for their unwavering commitment to maintaining security and order in our beloved country,” the statement concluded.
The NDC’s protest centered on concerns regarding the credibility of the upcoming December 2024 general elections, with accusations of bias against the Electoral Commission and calls for an independent audit of the voters’ register.
General Secretary Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey led the protest, advocating for a bipartisan investigation into the EC’s actions and urging a forensic audit of the voter register. The party has also requested a five-day extension for further verification of the voter list.
As Ghana gears up for the 2024 elections, tensions over the Electoral Commission’s conduct are likely to remain a focal point, with the NDC’s protests highlighting critical issues of electoral fairness and transparency.
