Inspector General of Police (IGP) George Akuffo Dampare has asserted that the police are not opposed to public demonstrations.Speaking to the media on Saturday September 27, he emphasised that citizens are entitled to engage in protests as it is their constitutional right.The IGP’s comments come amidst growing tensions between protesters and law enforcement, with many citizens accusing the police of stifling their right to demonstrate.Many activists and citizens have called for a more transparent and collaborative approach to public protests, where the police can act as partners rather than adversaries.Recently, a civil society group, Democracy Hub, organized a protest to highlight several national issues, including socio-economic inequality, unemployment, corruption, and state capture.The protest was scheduled to run from Saturday, September 21, to Monday, September 23, at Revolutionary Square, but clashes with police brought the demonstration to an abrupt end.The Ghana Police Service reported the arrest of 42 individuals on September 22, accusing the protesters of unlawfully gathering, obstructing traffic, and engaging in public disturbances.Video footage circulating on social media showed a standoff between the protesters and police, with demonstrators carrying placards and chanting slogans like "Stop Galamsey Now." Tensions escalated when the police attempted to disperse the crowd, resulting in several arrests.Currently, fifty-four protesters are in detention, with nine incarcerated and the remainder in police custody.

The detained protesters have reported instances of maltreatment by the police. In response, the prosecution has denied these allegations, stating that the protesters are receiving appropriate care, including meals from the renowned local restaurant, Papaye.

This claim has sparked outrage among defense attorneys. Additionally, the prosecution opposed bail, citing concerns regarding the unknown addresses of some detainees.

The judge denied bail and remanded the protesters until October 8, leading to expressions of discontent from those detained, who sang patriotic songs in court to voice their dissatisfaction.These events have raised concerns from various groups, including former President John Dramani Mahama, who condemned the two-week remand as a violation of the protesters' rights.

IGP Dampare addressed the misconceptions surrounding the police's role in managing protests, stating, "We want to say that there’s a misconception that the police don’t want people to demonstrate. Who are we that we can stop anybody from demonstrating? We want to beg you, let the message be out there: we are not against anybody demonstrating".

IGP Dampare encouraged citizens to inform the police of their intent to protest rather than seek permission."If you want to demonstrate, inform the police. It doesn’t say seek permission from the police; it’s informed. When the police are informed, we will invite you, engage you, and the information you give will be assessed," he explained.

The IGP clarified that the Police’s goal is to ensure public safety while respecting the right to free expression."If you want to demonstrate, inform the police; it doesn’t say seek permission from the police; it’s informed. When the police are informed, they will invite you, engage you, and the information you provide will be assessed," he emphasized.