Broadcast journalist Bridget Otoo has leveled accusations against Ghana Police Service personnel, claiming that they subjected her and other protestors to brutality during the #OccupyJulorbiHouse anti-government demonstration, which witnessed significant public participation.
In an audio recording, which was made available during a Twitter discussion, Bridget Otoo strongly criticized the actions of the police officers stationed at the Accra Regional Command.
She alleged that these officers had engaged in acts of violence against peaceful demonstrators, even brandishing their firearms during the incident.
“You are corking your guns, you are corking your guns! Try it!” Bridget Otoo said.
The emotionally charged audio comes in the wake of a series of arrests of protestors who were prevented from peacefully demonstrating on September 21, 2023. The reports indicate that more than 350 protestors, including the organizers affiliated with the Democracy Hub group, are presently in police custody for contravening a police order linked to a court injunction that had been issued against the planned demonstration.
Consequently, on various social media platforms, a number of individuals have expressed their disapproval of the actions taken by the Police and the government in apprehending the protestors, asserting that these individuals were simply exercising their right to engage in a peaceful protest.
‘Try it’ – Bridget Otoo fumes as police ‘corks gun’ during #OccupyJulorbiHouse demo
Background
The protestors had initially informed the Ghana Police Service about their intention to hold a demonstration on Nkrumah Memorial Day. Their purpose was to urge the President and members of the Economic Management Team to address various issues under the banner of #FixTheCountry. These issues included concerns about economic mismanagement and alleged corruption within the government.
However, in response to the planned protest, the police took legal action by filing an application for an injunction to halt the demonstration. This legal move occurred on the eve of the scheduled event, effectively seeking to prevent it from taking place.