The Ghana Police Service stands firm in its decision not to permit the Minority caucus in parliament to conclude their protest at the Bank of Ghana Headquarters building in Accra.

In a press briefing held on Monday, October 2, the Service reaffirmed that the rationale behind preventing the protesters from concluding their demonstration at the specified site is due to its classification as a security zone.

ASP Grace Ansah-Akrofi, the Director of Public Affairs for the Ghana Police Service, pointed out that the Public Order Act stipulates this provision: “when the Police has been served with the notice of protest, the Service is to conduct a security assessment on the route and location proposed or when the police have concerns that following this route can endanger public safety, order and provision of essential services, the police is able to request of the organisers to make changes to their proposed route.”

She went on to say that if there is a disagreement between both parties - organizers and police - the police can go to court, as can the organizers.

It has so challenged the demonstration organizers to appear in court for a hearing on the topic if they do not adhere to the terms of the police after filing an injunction.

“Per the security assessment conducted by the Police Service, the Bank of Ghana is a security zone and we have advised the organisers accordingly, if they have dissatisfaction with the police proposal to them, they are allowed to go court so that the court determines the matter,” said the police.

The police stated at the press briefing that the Minority had finally achieved an agreement with them on the route for the protest, despite the minority's claims to the contrary.

“Per our agreement with the Minority, the demonstrators will converge at Obra Spot at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle and proceed Adabraka to Ridge Roundabout, National Theatre Traffic Light, High Court Traffic Light to Atta Mills Highway and make a u-turn at the National Lottery and terminate at the Independence Square,” ASP Ansah-Akrofi indicated.

The Minority caucus in parliament has organized a protest under the banner #OccupyBoG, demanding the resignation of Dr. Ernest Addison, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, along with his two deputies. They argue that mismanagement within the central bank has led to substantial losses and negatively impacted the Ghanaian economy.

Initially, the Minority group informed the police about their planned protest, intending to commence it from the front of Parliament. They proposed the following route: Osu Cemetery Traffic Light – Ministry of Finance – High Court Complex – Kinbu – Makola – Rawlings Park to Opera Square, ultimately ending at the Bank of Ghana for the presentation of their petition.

However, the police expressed concerns regarding the chosen routes, citing potential risks to public order and safety. They also emphasized the importance of preventing traffic disruptions.

In response, the police suggested an alternative route for the Minority, starting at Obra Spot – Circle – Adabraka road building to the City Centre – Cedi House to Independence Square.

Despite the police's proposal, the Minority caucus remained steadfast in their decision to follow their initially proposed route, asserting that it was shorter than the one suggested by the police.

Subsequently, the police filed for an injunction against the Minority's proposed protest routes.